Chapter V

The shuttle landed with barely a whisper of sound at the military hub that was Gwen's first stop on this new assignment she was contracted for. Though the city was familiar, it being where she had been a mere year ago, the base was an entity unto itself, and new and unfamiliar territory to her. This was actually a new experience for all involved. It had been a very long time since civilians were allowed on any military facility for any reason. She was the first, and the results of this little experiment would have far reaching results, determining whether the rules might ever change.

She had, of course, endured many security checks and tests to get here. Still, she would never be unaccompanied on any base, and from necessity, her next scheduled venue would be revealed to her only before she headed out. She felt all the security precautions a bit bizarre, having never endured such measures during her active service. Of course, I never left the capital, either. Wonder if Randi had to go through this sort of scrutiny a lot. Thoughts of her best friend brought a smile to her lips. It would be something they would have to talk about when she got back. Though she wouldn't always be allowed to reveal her location to Randi via the vid phone, they had agreed to give her the access she needed to make her calls.

The bard settled into a fairly predictable routine. Fridays were her traveling days, a somewhat ironic anomaly, since she rarely moved more than three hours from her previous location. She told stories for four days, then was given off Saturdays and Sundays where she was allowed off the base, under guard, to sightsee and mingle with other civilians. She found the guard, which were put into place for her protection more than anything, a bit too restrictive for her comfort. She understood that no one wanted to jeopardize this test project on their watch, and she rarely left the confines of any base she visited. In return, they did try to give her as much leeway as they could at each facility she stopped at, which was not always an easy thing. She had become very popular, both for her wonderful stories, and her friendly, but reserved demeanor.

More than once she thought of inviting her protective best friend over to take care of some of her more zealous admirers, knowing from experience the Marine could give them a keen understanding of what was appropriate and acceptable behavior. Her erstwhile protectors did their best, but she sometimes longed for the days she spent at Midas when she and Randi could go out on the town, and she never worried about people bothering her. It had only happened once, and word of the Marine putting a man who wouldn't take "no" for an answer in traction (almost unheard of in this day of relatively instant cure) spread so far and so fast, she had not been approached again. For the most part, though, the military personnel she dealt with were friendly, respectful, and appreciative of her literary talent. Those that weren't she did her best to ignore.

For ten weeks she spoke with Randi every Sunday, regaling her with some of the more humorous incidents that occurred to her and those around her during the previous week. On the eleventh Sunday, there was no answer, and she realized Randi had disappeared yet again. She was disappointed the rest of the day, having looked forward to the call all week, as she always did. It occurred to her again what a strange, almost double life the older woman seemed to lead, and the bard wondered what the real story was. Knowing she would never know the truth until and unless Randi herself decided to reveal it, she sat down to compose and email to her companion instead.

Dear Randi, it read, I can't tell you much about this new location, as usual , but

I would like to say it is hotter than blazes here. It's a good thing scientists cured

the common cold fifty years ago, or all this hot, cold, hot, cold stuff would keep me

in the infirmary, instead of on stage entertaining the troops.

The people here have been very friendly, but I find myself counting the days til I

return home. Not that I don't think these personnel don't deserve the best

diversions we can give them. Some of these outposts and bases are so lonely and

desolate. And I do give them all my very best effort, and they generally seem glad

for it. But it's not a life I would have chosen, and I find myself wondering how you

stood ten years of it.



Monday morning, Gwen was given the grand tour, as she had on every other installation so far. There were, of course, places that were restricted or completely off limits, but she still got to see quite a bit of the facility, and meet lots of new faces. It was after lunch, and well into the afternoon before she was back in her temporary quarters. She fell asleep, quite exhausted from the unaccustomed heat, and only awakened scant minutes before she was due to start her storytelling. She took a quick, cold shower to wake herself, and was only ten minutes late to the gathering place. She apologized for her tardiness, feeling somewhat better when the commanding officer apologized right back for keeping her out in the heat. She thanked him, then began her first tale.

Tuesday found her visiting the sick and injured in the hospital, as well as those who cared for them. They had been unable to hear her the night before, and the blonde woman was more than happy to bring her stories to them. And they enjoyed the time she spent with them.

The following day, a Wednesday, she took a bit of time to do some shopping at the Post Exchange. She was trying to collect a small memento from each base she visited. Most of the units she went to gave her a patch or pin, but she also liked to choose a few things of her own. She was garnering quite a collection of mugs that would soon have to be shipped home, due to their added weight in her bag and the room they were taking up.

So she stopped by the mailroom after her shopping was finished, to inquire about transporting her things overseas. The bard made arrangements to have the shipping materials delivered to her quarters, then readied the items for shipping. After all her packing was finished, Gwen took the somewhat heavy box back to the mailroom. On her way across the compound, she stopped, staring, as a woman striding away from her rapidly got her attention. The box started to slip from her grasp, and she looked down to catch it. When it was safely restored in her hold, she looked up again, to find the woman gone. Odd, she thought, that woman reminded me of Randi. Same build, same posture, same confident walk. Huh. The heat must be bothering me more than I thought.

The blonde shook her head, and entered the mailroom. It took only a couple minutes to make her arrangements, before she headed across the camp to the mess hall. She didn't see anyone there who resembled the woman she *thought* she saw that reminded her of her Marine friend. She put those thoughts aside as she concentrated on the serious business of eating lunch.

The remainder of the day passed quickly, out of the heat, and just before sundown, the bard made her way to the auditorium. She knew she was going in early, but she wanted to watch the people entering. She did this at least once at every stop, usually on Thursday, to gauge the interest levels and enthusiasm of her audience. It helped her to learn how she was doing in relating things that caught their attention and intrigued them. The thought that her best friend had somehow shown up on this restricted base made her do this a day early. But her watching was in vain for she never saw what her eyes insisted she had seen. So she put her best into her stories, and put those troubling thoughts away.

For the next two Sundays, Gwen's attempts to contact Randi were for naught. Her emails went unanswered as well. She thought briefly of contacting Tommy, but knew the man wouldn't have any knowledge of the Marine's location. When Randi disappeared like this, it was as if she had walked off the face of the planet. That in and of itself was extremely odd. For more than a hundred years, sensor devices were implanted in the skin at birth. This allowed for instantaneous tracking anywhere in the world. If you knew the right answers to the right questions, you could find anyone. Tracking sensors had cut crime dramatically, and had made parents feel safer about their children. But somehow, somehow, Randi had managed to find a way around this technology. And there was no trace of her at all, as if she didn't actually exist.

Gwen had reached a place in her travels that marked almost the midway point. She was restricted to the military compound only, as there was terrible unrest in the area. It was impossible to find out what was really happening. She only knew that the whole base was on edge, and this put her on edge as well. The stress and the extreme heat where giving the blonde woman a terrible headache. She went to the infirmary, where the medic gave her a shot of pain reliever, and gave her a space to rest under her watchful eye. Through the rest of the morning and the better part of the afternoon she slept, startled a bit when the young woman on duty shook her arm lightly.

"Ma'am?" A pause, until bleary green eyes focused on her. "It's about an hour until sundown. I thought you might want a bit of time to get ready before your performance tonight."

"Sundown?" Gwen questioned with a raised eyebrow.

"Yes, ma'am. The commander said your tour could wait til tomorrow. You needed the rest." A beat, then, "How's your head?"

"Much better, thank you. I'm just a little embarrassed. I didn't expect to sleep all day."

"Don't feel bad, ma'am. You're moving on a pretty tough schedule, and this heat takes a bit of adjustment. It affects everyone to some degree at first."

"Really?" sitting up now, and running her fingers through her long locks, thinking to herself that a serious haircut might be in order soon, if she didn't get out of the heat.

"Oh, yes ma'am," the corpsman was answering her forgotten question. "Some folks get lethargic, some get headaches like you did. Still others get sick to their stomachs. It all depends on the person, but it does affect everyone in some way."

"How about you?"

"Me, ma'am?" A chuckle. "I threw up for three days."

"Ooooo," Gwen grimaced. "I guess I got off fairly easy then."

"Yes ma'am. Just listen to your body, and take it easy for a while. You'll adjust just fine."

"Thank you, Corpsman Mannack. I hope to see you in the audience later."

A wry grin crossed the woman's face. "No ma'am, not tonight. Twenty-four hour duty, you know. But I will be there at least once before you leave. I got to see you perform up north about a year ago, and I've been a big fan ever since."

Gwen was never sure what to say to these confessions, and simply answered, "I'll look forward to seeing you again then." And with that, she left the clinic.

A nice cool, shower and she was ready. She brought her favorite sweater, one Randi had given her for Festival the year before with her, knowing that when the sun finally set the temperature would fall rapidly. By the time she made her way over to the gathering place, quite a crowd had already assembled. They were in the dining hall, the biggest building on the base, and all the tables had been removed. Row after row of chairs had been filled, and soldiers stood five deep in the back waiting for a chance to hear this renowned bard. For a moment, Gwen was overcome by a sense of awe and humility. She determined to make them glad they had made the effort to welcome her so heartily.

After two hours of non-stop story telling, the bard decided it was time for a break. No one had eaten since the noon meal, and she for one was a bit hungry. When she finished and called for an intermission, the men and women of her audience groaned, unwilling to let her stop her telling. She assured them all she would be back after the break, that they all needed something to eat.

The kitchen had been putting out the most incredible scents during the entire performance, but strangely, not one person moved when the blonde left the stage area. When she came back thirty minutes later, no one had eaten. Perplexed, she asked the commander, who was seated off to one side.

"You see, Ms. Goldman, no one wanted to give up their seat, or their standing spot either, for that matter. This is one of the toughest bases to serve at because of the constant skirmishes by people who don't like the way the world is being run for whatever reason. We are almost constantly on alert. You are the first non-military diversion we've seen, and though the tour here is only a year, it can get very, very long. So no one wants to miss the opportunity to escape with your stories, and no one in his right mind would give up his place, knowing there are people behind him willing to take it."

"Oh, I see." Gwen furrowed her brow in thought for a moment. She couldn't be the cause of these service people not eating. Nor did she think it was fair that they have to fight so hard for simple entertainment. She could see by the expressions in the sea of faces looking towards her, that they considered this a definite treat. This was one of the hot spots, one of the foremost threats to continuing world peace, and the folks stationed here were front line fighters. Surely they shouldn't have to fight each other as well for a little bit of escape.

"Commander, can we move this outside, so *everybody* can participate, a place where everyone can hear?"

He looked at her a bit startled. "Yes, ma'am!" he answered her suggestion. "The reason we are indoors at all is for your comfort. It gets very cold in the desert at night."

"Yes, Commander, I am aware of that fact and I came prepared. Please ask your people to move outside, and take their dinner with them. I think we would all be a lot happier with this arrangement."

The man did as she asked, and his troops replied with whoops and hollers of agreement. Within an hour, everyone had been served and was seated in some form or fashion outside on the practice field. Gwen stood on a hastily thrown together platform, illuminated by small fires to either side. She looked out over her audience, which had doubled in size with the move, and felt better within herself, even as a small shiver chased its way up her spine. She was thankful for the small wireless mic, as soldiers stretched to the tree line. They had managed to set up so that everyone could see. Those in front sat Indian style, legs crossed, after several rows of this people knelt. Behind the kneelers, came those with chairs, and in the very back stood the ones remaining. For two hours and more she regaled them with tales, giving them a respite from their harsh, real world existence. Toward the end, she caught a pair of ice blue eyes, staring at her from the tree line. She faltered for a moment, dropping her eyes to the ground then recovered her poise and finished the story. When she looked back up, they were gone.

The next day, true to his word, the base commander took her around the facility. She searched each and every unit for those familiar blue eyes, but she didn't see anything even close. She began to think the heat had really, finally gotten to her, making her hallucinate. The man beside her noticed her intense scrutiny of his personnel, but asked no questions, and offered no explanations. He had learned years ago never to volunteer.

The bard kept her eyes opened for the rest of the week, trying to find proof that it had not been her imagination playing tricks on her. But she never caught another glimpse of those eyes, and she did not see the familiar silhouette. So she put it out of her thoughts, finally, as a simple trick induced by a mind that had succumbed to the heat of this place and exhaustion of her trip.

The weeks rolled by, and she was once again talking to Randi on the vid phone. Several times it was on the tip of her tongue to ask where the older woman had been, and each time Gwen bit it back. It would only serve to put a wedge between them, and drive her friend away. It was hard enough to maintain and cultivate their friendship over time and distance like this as it was. She was not going to add another burden to it. They were now both counting the days until Festival.

Unlike their first Festival together the preceding year, there was no way for them to be together on this holiday. Jill and Geoff had invited Randi up north to spend the time with them, and Randi in turn had invited them down to celebrate with she, Tommy and Ella. They had accepted with alacrity, wanting to know more about the people Gwen had opened her life to and called friend. They were especially curious to learn more about her enigmatic best friend. Miranda Valiant was a very reticent woman, and they felt they had barely begun to scratch the surface in getting to know her. And they felt she might be more approachable in her own setting surrounded by family and friends of her own. So Randi was looking forward to , with more than a little trepidation, welcoming her friend's parents into her home. And Gwen wasn't looking towards spending her first Festival holiday away from family and friends.

Buck up, Goldman. You're twenty-six years old. That makes you a big girl, and big girls can handle this. But for some reason, this little pep talk didn't help. She was really becoming quite depressed over the whole situation, having never missed a Festival with her folks. Then she got to thinking, and looking at the service men and women around her, and realized they were all in the same boat. And a lot of them were far worse off than she was, since they were just starting two-year rotations away from home. And once she realized this, it didn't take long for her drop the gloom and doom facade, and start counting her blessings. She would still get to talk to them sometime during the holidays, and if her luck held, with Randi as well. Though it wasn't the same as face to face, it was a way for them to still be together.

Festival Eve brought the mail transport, several of them in fact. Loaded down with gifts and goodies for all the military personnel. Gwen was amazed when she heard her own name being called to pick up a care package. She went to her quarters, and laughed and cried with joy as she opened the box, delighting in each and every little thing that had been sent. Lots of trinkets, simple reminders of the friends she had at Midas. From her folks, two new outfits, in deference to an earlier complaint of her being tired of being stuck wearing the same thing day in and day out. Tommy and Ella sent some lovely new music. But Randi... Randi couped them all. Remembering the many times Gwen had fondly recalled the stories read to her from a leather bound journal while sitting on her Great-grandmother's lap, the Marine had gone out and had one made specially for her. It even came with the old-fashioned writing utensil known as a pen. She was so excited. There were so many stories she wanted to write down as her ancestors before her had done. First though, she had to figure out how the whole 'pen' idea worked.



Festival dawned drearily at the base, for besides being bitterly cold, the skies poured forth an icy slush that made going outside utterly miserable. However, it was the only way to get to the specially constructed building for the celebration, so Gwen bundled up, and trudged over as quickly as she safely could. After the incident in the southern camp, and knowing the harshness of the usual weather during the bard's proposed visit, the base commander had had his engineers design and build a shelter large enough to house the entire compound, but easy to assemble and remove. What they had come up with was ugly, to be generous, but it served its purpose very well. It was warm and dry, and would hold each and every member of the outpost.

When Gwen crossed the threshold, someone immediately thrust a warm cup of... something... into her hands. She gingerly took a sip, unsure of what she had been given, then smiled as the warm buttered rum slipped easily down her throat. It wouldn't do to drink too many of these, but it was perfect for warming her, and taking the chill that had settled, right out of her bones.

Festival was very different here than anything she had ever experienced at home. For one thing, these people came from all over the world, and each had a heritage that contributed different facets to the celebration. According to what she could perceive, no two Festivals were ever the same, in any of these outlying military bases. Any of the places that were seen as hardship tours rotated personnel in and out regularly, and there was never the same ethnic, tribal or religious mix twice. For another, due to the fact that this was a hardship location, and the people who served here were expected to remain on alert regardless of the holiday, Festival itself only lasted for the day of Festival, and not for the traditional week afterwards. So she was determined to make the most of the day.

There was music and dancing in the morning hours, until it was time for the luncheon feast. Laughter and merriment from the dance floor carried over to the table. Many had asked her to dance, but the bard laughingly refused, reminding them all that she was a storyteller, not a dancer. She did enjoy watching though, especially as there were several entertaining dance contests. Lunch was wonderful, the dishes offered reflecting the different heritages abounding at the base. After the meal, giving everyone a chance to digest before the indoor games started, each person rose and told something about their Festival celebration, and a reason they were thankful.

She slipped out as the games began, wanting to be undisturbed during her vid call to her parents. It was very early morning there, but they should still be awake, having just recently returned from their after symphony supper. She waited for long moments for someone, anyone to pick up her call, but finally resigned herself to the knowledge that there was no one home to do so. A little disappointed with her lack of success, she vowed to try again late that evening, after she called Randi.

The blonde made her way back to the large building, and lost track of the time as she became immersed in the games. She was quite surprised when the contests slowed and the stopped as food was once again brought out to be served. The evening meal passed very comfortably, the many participants pleasantly tired from the days activities, They settled down into quiet when she rose shortly after dinner to begin her story telling. And for two hours and more she held them in the palm of her hand, enthralling them with tales of heroes and fantasy, myth and legend. When the evening ended, they stood and applauded with a rousing cheer that made the building itself shake and rattle. It was only as they left, in fact that they were reminded of their harsh reality. But nothing... not the weather, not their location, nor the lack of loved ones... could dampen the enthusiasm or renewal they had found within themselves today. And it would be enough to get them through the rest of the winter.

Very, very late that night, Gwen put in her call to Randi's. She hoped the Marine was home. She missed not having talked to her parents, and didn't want the same thing to happen with her friend. That would be just too depressing. So she sat, quietly, waiting for the brunette to pick up the link. She was about to give up when...

"Hello, Gwen. Happy Festival," came the low voice of her friend.

"Hi, Randi. Happy Festival to you too," The blonde couldn't help the tears. This reminded her so much of home and how very much she missed everyone. Suddenly she hated the fact that despite world peace there were still people that threatened it enough that required a military presence to keep the peace intact. She had never realized, during her own required service, that so many ended up away from home and family during their two years, had never quite understood how very lucky she had been... until now.

"Tears?" the low, vibrant voice broke into her thoughts. "Well, I had a surprise for you, but if you're going to be that way...." Randi trailed off, knowing Gwen well enough to know that that would get her attention and pique her curiosity enough to stop whatever memories had started the tears falling.

The blonde woman had to smile through the tears, and wiped the traces of wet off her cheeks. "Okay," she sniffed, "I'm ready for my surprise."

"You sure?" A pause. "I don't know... anybody who cries on Festival...."

Gwen looked at her watch, noticing it was just past midnight where she was. "Hey, Festival's over here. Now," trying to be menacing and failing miserably, "Give. Me. My. Surprise!" she growled.

The dark haired woman chuckled at her feistiness. "All right. All right. Hang on a minute, will ya?" And she put the woman on hold, leaving her staring at a view of the ocean from the beach house. It didn't take but a minute, and the visual came back up, but now Gwen was facing not only Randi, but also Tommy, Ella, and most surprisingly, her parents. The tears really started flowing now, as happiness warmed her through and through. This was one surprise she had never anticipated. The better part of an hour passed while they all talked, sharing love and laughter over the miles. When the time came to say goodbye, they each took a turn to speak to her privately. Most of them went rather quickly, her father taking only a moment longer than the two who went before him. Jill took a bit longer.

"How are you REALLY doing, baby girl?"

"I'm fine, Mother. Just a little lonely, but this did wonders for me."

"Then I'm glad we came down here this year." A beat. "I like your friends here, Gwen. These are very nice people, and I'm glad to have gotten the chance to get to know them all a little better. I don't know if it matters to you, since you are an adult, but I'm gonna say it anyway. I approve of you coming down here to live and work, and I'm glad you have such good company to do it in. I'm proud of you and the decisions you have made for yourself."

"Thank you, Mother. It means a lot."

"I love you, baby girl. See you in a couple months,"

"I love you too, Mother."

Jill walked away, leaving Randi and Gwen in privacy to say their goodbyes. They simply looked at each other for a long moment in silence, then the Marine said softly, "I miss you, Little One."

"I miss you too, gunny. I, um, I got something for you for Festival, but you'll have to wait until I get back before I can give it to you. I'm a little leery of sending it by transport."

Randi was a tiny bit intrigued, wondering what wouldn't be safe on a transport, but all she said was, "Come home safely. That will be present enough."

"You sweet talker you," with a glowing smile and a touch of banter in her tone. "Thank you for the journal, my friend," more seriously now. "I hope to have my first story written in it by the time I get home."

An eyebrow rose before the reality set in. Of course, handwriting is an outdated skill. The only reason I know how is because of the Sabres. "I'm sure you'll do fine," was all she said.

Silence for another long minute as they gazed at each other again, unable to speak and unwilling to say goodbye. Finally, the tall woman said softly, "I'd better let you go. I know it's late where you are, and you need to go get some sleep." A nod answered her. "Take care, my friend. Be safe."

There was no audible answer from the blonde, who simply touched her fingertips to her lips and raised them in farewell. She severed the connection without another word.

The next seven weeks passed in a blur for the bard. She was moving back into a warmer climate again, which she was more than a little thankful for. She had found she much preferred the warm to the cold, although she'd rather not have to deal with desert heat again. At each stop, the military personnel made her feel welcome, and each time she gave them her best. But she found herself wishing time would pass faster, as she was anxious to get home. She had friends, steady work, and, at the very least, a new beginning.

Finally, the day came when her military contract was finished, and she boarded the shuttle for home. She was so excited she could hardly sit still. Fortunately by this point, she had circuited the world and was fairly close to her destination. The shuttle stopped and she allowed her fellow passengers to disembark in front of her. She exited calmly, looking for her tall, raven-haired best friend. When her gaze rested on Tommy's apologetic face, depression settled on her shoulders like a cloak. Randi's gone again. Damn!

"Hi, Gwen," with a small hug. "Welcome home."

"Thanks, Tommy. When did she leave?"

"Yesterday morning. Just left a message that she couldn't pick you up." A pause. "I'm sorry." And he was sorry too, because Randi hadn't said anything else, and hadn't given him a chance to ask any questions. And since he knew better than to assume with her, Gwen wouldn't be staying at the beach house. He had already engaged a room for her. If he didn't hear from Randi in a week, that penthouse hotel room would be her penthouse apartment for the next year if Gwen wanted it that way. She needed a place to call home, and since Randi wasn't around to offer her one, it was up to him to see she was provided for.

"I'm sorry, too. Let's go." And she followed him to the transport. This homecoming had been nothing like she'd expected... or hoped.

For six very long weeks, not a thing was heard from or about Randi. Then she heard from Tommy that Randi was back, and still it was another two weeks before she saw her around Midas. She got the feeling Randi was avoiding her, and was determined to put a stop to it immediately if not sooner. She wasn't going to lose her best friend to whatever mystery had her in its pocket.

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"Hindsight really is twenty-twenty, isn't it, my friend?" Gwen said, realizing for the first time that her coffee had grown cold while she had stood there reminiscing. She reheated it, then cursed herself for making it too hot. "So much would have changed, so much I would have done differently, if only...." She let her words taper off, as her mind wandered back to the same course of events told by Randi as she had read them two nights prior in the Marine's diary.



************************************************************

Randi left the hub, riding along aimlessly for several hours. She was thankful, right then, for the conversions she had done to the bike's engine when she was rebuilding it. It could run for years on one fuel tablet. But she always kept a spare with her, just in case. It was a habit her Papa had instilled very early on. Better to be safe than sorry, Randi. You never know what the future holds.

Boy, Papa, she thought to herself, you weren't kidding. By mid-afternoon, she was extending the bridge to cross back onto the island, which she did with alacrity. She parked the bike in its special place in the garage, wiping it down gently to remove the dirt and dust. By the time that was done, the engine had cooled sufficiently, and she pulled the tarp over it. Still she resisted entering the house, and instead walked around the back toward the beach to sit and watch the sunset. Only when the sky changed from red to purple, then to black did she get up and go into the house. Without turning on a light, she merely reset the alarm, and went straight to her room, where she stripped off her clothes, and fell into bed.

The next morning, she went into work, determined to stay busy to help the time pass faster. In addition to Midas, she had taken on several other clients to improve their security issues. Midas and the island were still her top priorities, but she was glad to spend time helping out some of the local businesses. Many of them were owned by old friends or their parents, who remembered her fondly from her childhood. A lot of these people had dealings with Midas for one reason or another, and she had been slowly renewing old acquaintances and friendships.

Besides Joey and Maria, who were part of the Merchants Guild, tailors in fact, she also saw Chin Lo, and his partner Tony. Both men were in the Masons Guild, one a brick smith and the other a woodcarver. They were at Midas on a regular basis, constructing various scenes and such for the Guild, though her schedule did not bring her into contact with them often. Still they always managed to pass the time pleasantly, in small talk and reminiscing.

It was on a break from their respective labors, that they spotted Randi crossing the hall, and called out to her to join them. She did so, curiosity getting the better of her. CL and Tony had been a couple years ahead of her in school, though they had played together in a couple band classes.

"Hey Randi, you got a minute?"

She ambled over to where they were sitting. She had been on her way out, but since she wasn't on any schedule, and not really in a hurry, she sat down with them.

"Hi, guys. What's up?"

Now that the moment was here, Chin Lo was not quite as sure. But he decided to ask anyway. The worst she could say is no. He tried not to think about what she could do. The Marine meanwhile studied them, wondering at their sudden apprehension. She had no idea of the imposing figure she cut, especially when she was not smiling. Joey had been right, the short man mused. She had definitely changed. The quiet, lighthearted girl they had known could not be found at all in the strong, enigmatic woman who now sat before them.

"Well, we've been talking, dickering back and forth for a while now... Do you by any chance still play?"

At her blank expression, he elaborated. "The drums, Randi. Do you still play the drums?"

Her face cleared, and broke into the first real smile he had seen from her since her return eighteen months prior. "CL, I don't think I've touched a stick in almost twelve years." A small chuckle. "I don't think it's something you forget, though. Why?"

"We, some of the guys and I have been talking, and we'd like to get together and see if any of us can still play. We need a drummer."

"I see." It wasn't the enthusiastic response they had been hoping for, but she didn't dismiss the idea out of hand, either. That was a good sign. A breath. "What brought all this up, and why come to me?" Direct questions, honest curiosity.

"I dunno. Maybe just the fact that we're all having a middle aged crisis," He smiled nervously at her raised eyebrow. "Not you, necessarily, I mean... I didn't... ah, shit!" He finished, realizing he was digging himself into a very deep hole.

"What he means to say is," Tony cut in, "is that we, and Joey have been talking about getting together to play, just for a bit of fun and relaxation. There are a couple guys here that would like to jam for a bit, and we thought maybe you might be interested as well. Besides," he admitted honestly, "You're the only drummer we know," with a sheepish smile.

"Uh huh," as understanding dawned in her eyes. "Well," she said, "I'll tell you what. You get Joey and these other guys together, and let me know when and where we're gonna play. I'll sit in on a session or two, and if I like what I hear, then you've got yourselves a drummer."

"Really?" from CL.

"Really," Randi answered. It'll be nice to play again. I miss it sometimes. I gotta run," she said, rising from her seat. "Let me know. I need to go get some drums. See ya, guys." And she left without another word.

"Cool, " said Tony. "Wait til Joey hears."

It took a couple weeks to get everyone together. Randi had been busy working on several business projects, as well as securing a new set of drums. Even if things didn't work out as far as playing with a band, she had decided she wanted to have them, just for herself. She hadn't told Gwen about them in either vid call she'd received from her best friend so far. She wanted them, and the band if things worked out, to be a surprise for the bard when she came home.

Joey had offered his home as a place to practice, and that's where they all met that Friday night after work. It wasn't a bad set up, but his garage area was very close to the house. Maria wasn't particularly thrilled about this when it came time to put their seven-year-old daughter to bed. It was hard enough to convince the child she needed to go to bed without the distraction of this *band* being in her very own back yard.

Amazingly enough, for being as rusty as they all claimed to be, they didn't sound halfway bad. They were good enough that they all decided to brush up a little at home over the weekend, and try it again the following Friday night.

Randi went home that night, pleasantly exhausted, but glad to have made some new friends, and get better reacquainted with some old ones. Joey, whom she had actually grown up with, played keyboards, and actually had a very nice tenor voice. CL was the bass guitarist, while Tony handled the sound. That thought made the Marine pause, wondering why he did not do it for a living. Probably enjoys it as a hobby. And he's an expert woodcarver. He had actually done some of the woodwork in her home, and she absolutely loved it. She had met three new friends as well. Two of them, Jack Smith and Charlie Turret, worked for Midas. The third, Greg Mason, worked with Tony and CL. He was a roofer. Jack played lead guitar; Charlie played second and rhythm guitars. Both men did vocals, one as a baritone, the other as a bass. Greg was the catch-all man. He played synthesizer and also sang baritone, but he was also called upon to play guitar on occasion. He professed knowledge of the drums, two brass and a woodwind, though it was untested as of yet. His job would be the most taxing, and the most varied, as he would be expected to fill in many parts.

Strangely, no one had asked Randi about singing, and she for one was not about to volunteer herself. She figured they had more than enough parts between the men. And she had learned very early in her Sabre career never to volunteer any information. All things are eventually revealed in their own good time. So, she spent the better part of her weekend working up calluses on hands that hadn't held a drumstick for more than a decade.

Tommy noticed the blisters when she came over that Sunday afternoon for lunch. He was immediately concerned.

"Randi, you okay?"

"Fine. Boss. Why do you ask?"

He took hold of one of her hands gently, wincing in sympathy when she flinched.

"Oh," answering his unspoken question. "Just trying to break my hands in again."

"Uh, huh. Break them in to what, exactly?"

And she told him... about the band, and the guys, and practicing. Her cousin eyed her closely, noting with some amusement that this was the most excited he had seen in her (aside from when she and Gwen were together) since she had written him telling about the first time she had seen the bard in concert. It had been her excitement, in fact, that had led him to hiring the storyteller initially.

The next six Friday nights, they spent practicing at Tony and CL's place, which had a nice clear open space, no kids, and no close neighbors to disturb. It was perfect right until the thunder started rumbling overhead on the Friday nine weeks after Gwen had left. It took all of them, but they got the equipment in and under cover, just as the deluge broke. By now, it had become traditional for all the spouses and significant others of the band members to come and socialize during practice. They suggested music, socialized, and just generally had a good time. Tommy and Ella came along when they could, and as fate would have it they were there that evening. After scurrying around with the others to help get everything in out of the rain, Tommy made a proposal to the group.

"I would like to suggest a more permanent place for ya'll to practice." All eyes turned to him, interested. "I'd like to put up a building out on the island for you." Now those eyes grew round with surprise. "I think with some serious work, you could do really well. And even if you just want to play, I'd feel better about ya'll having a place under cover."

"Tommy, could I have a word with you?" He knew this would happen the minute the idea occurred to him. "T, what are you thinking? Do you really want all these people to have access to your privacy?"

"Randi, take a deep breath okay? It'll be fine. I'll put it up on my side, but far enough away from the house that the noise won't interfere with our lives. And it will be up to us to extend the bridge. None of them will have the code. Besides, you've vetted all these folks, and you know they are good people." He took a breath. "Take a step back from the military and security angle, my friend, and you'll see what a good idea this is."

"We could just practice in my garage," she replied, surprising him.

"No, not with your schedule unpredictability." No other reference was ever made to her disappearances. "I can keep an eye on things at my place. And it will make me feel a little part. You know I've never been able to carry a tune in a bucket."

She chuckled, remembering the few times he had tried to be musical. The temple choirmaster had actually asked him *NOT* to sing during choir.

"Okay, T. I just hope you realize what you're getting yourself, and Ella, into."

Practice together was suspended while the building was being erected. That was just as well for Randi, as on the second Thursday after the storm she got an alert from Sabre headquarters. It occurred to her in passing that she would probably miss Gwen's call on Sunday, and there was absolutely no way to let her friend know. Sometimes, I wish... But she had been informed, upon being designated for the Sabre program, that it was a lifetime commitment. Gotta love today's military... not only do you get placed in an assignment best suited to your talents and skills, they are some jobs that you'd actually have to die for to get out of. And the Black Sabres was the most impossible program to get out of. Even those no longer on active duty in the military, and there were few of these on the team, were still pressed into service when the need arose. With increasing frequency, it seemed to Randi. For every threat they squashed, two more rose to take its place. Her mind went back almost twelve years prior, when she was freshly out of boot camp, and being sent to her first "A" school.

Starched and pressed in her graduation uniform, the young PFC looked down

in confusion at the orders she held in her hands. The numerous physical,

emotional and psychological tests she had endured through her twelve weeks

of basic training had all pointed to one assignment. Her class standing,

leadership abilities, and the fact that she had earned a life saving medal

during boot camp, had merely been icing on the cake, indicating to her

superior officers that she was an exemplary Sabre candidate.

So now, instead of a standard deployment, she would be sent to numerous

schools during the course of the next six months, ensuring she would be

more than capable of handling the challenging role Fate, and her abilities,

had given her.

The young Marine learned many things over the course of those six months,

not the least of which was just how much torture and humiliation the human

body is capable of enduring.

She learned many useful skills, as well, and when she was issued her black

and gold braid, Randi was sure that being part of the elite Black Sabre

force was indeed her destiny

.

She grabbed up her ever-ready duffle bag, and took out her armor. And her mind returned to that first assignment after graduating Sabre school.

It had been amazingly easy, she realized upon later reflection. The fact

that the people who died by her hand, and those of her team, were human

beings, never really entered into her thoughts. Instead, she focused on

the fact that the rebels that had been put down like the dogs they were,

had been a threat to a world peace, and deserved what they had gotten

and more. It wouldn't be until much later, and many more assignments,

that the Marine became world weary of the whole business.

Randi came back to herself with a start, and a little shake, realizing she had dressed and armed herself while lost in her own private reverie. She knew any further reminiscing would have to wait, as she was expected at her personal shuttle pad immediately. She did question her wisdom in dragging up old memories now, and had to wonder what had brought it about. Then her mind turned to the present and immediate future. She had a job to do.

Technology had become at once both a boon and a bane to mankind. Lots of scientific and medical advancements, smart weapons, instant communications. For those involved in covert operations, however, it became much more difficult. Comm equipment and trackers were death warrants, because they were so easily traced. So while they were out in the bush, they were on their own, until they could get to a settled base to relay information and requests.

It was on this mission, almost a week into it, that Randi was sent to the nearest base camp to make a report. She slipped into the comm center, sent her message, and slipped out again, not once having been seen by the soldiers stationed there. She never realized that she was spotted by a pair of familiar green eyes that were certain they were seeing things in the heat of the afternoon sun.

Twelve days passed, and found Randi and her team stumbling in to the nearby base that was some two hundred miles from the base the Marine had snuck into previously. They had lost two of their own this time, and were all exhausted by the blood and death and sheer physical output of the past nineteen days. Things were more settled, though the base would have to maintain an alert status. The Sabres, however, had done their job for this trip, and just wanted to clean up and go home. It was time to mourn and bury their fallen comrades.

The base commander, while he released them from duty, would not give them permission to leave. Something was brewing, though he wouldn't say what, and he wanted them to stick around. He did, however, give them private hot showers, that the Sabres availed themselves to with abandon. Then he gave them each a comfortable bed to sleep in for a while. After having being out with barely an hour's sleep at a stretch, each of the five members from Randi's unit fell to sleep immediately.

It was just dark when they were roused, though they could have each slept straight through with no problem. This was the reason the commander had kept them, however, and they knew they had to take care of this task before heading home.

The "task" he had for them, however, was not what they were expecting. They weren't required to be elite Black Sabres, being sent out again, but simply common soldiers and marines sharing a meal and some entertainment together. It was the sight of said entertainment that made Randi's breath catch. She hadn't realized where Gwen was on her tour, and seeing everyone leaving the mess hall carrying their dinner to come outside so all could participate was typical of Gwen's actions. She smiled to herself when she saw her friend wearing the sweater the Marine had given her. She debated with herself hard and fast while people were getting settled outside about the wisdom in staying to hear the bard weave her tales. Randi decided the reward would be more than worth the risk, and settled in the back near the tree line.

She sat entranced as for two hours the storyteller brought fantasy to life and made reality fade into nothingness. It was only when those penetrating green eyes caught hers, and the blonde faltered in her delivery that the dark haired woman came crashing back to Earth with a jolt. Suddenly realizing the precarious situation she found herself in, she quickly returned to her temporary quarters, determined to be gone before first light.

It didn't take much doing. A well placed word to the base commander, who was himself a Black Sabre. Those who stayed in the military for more than ten years were rare, but when they did, they provided an especially safe haven for the men and women who did the dirty work the Sabres took care of. It worked out well for both parties. It gave the lifers a chance to grow older with their friends and families, and it gave those still doing Sabre service a place to relax before, for most of them, being thrust back into the real world of civilian life. No one ever mentioned the fact that these bases were always the most dangerous assignments. That was an accepted fact. You lived as a Sabre; you died as a Sabre. It was not a matter of "if", but "when".

So shortly before dawn, a single transport with its lone passenger took flight, heading out of the base. The dark haired Marine sat quietly, cursing whatever fate had brought her to this particular place and time. Letting her mind drift, she thought back to when this life had changed for her... no longer a righteous champion for the greater good, but a pawn whose sworn duty and honor left a trail of blood and death in her wake. A pawn that was tired in the depths of her very soul.

Four years into her required ten-year Sabre commitment, and a little

more than three years since she'd earned her braid, Miranda Valiant

found herself in the capital to receive one of the Corps highest awards,

and take a bit of R&R. Her comrades watched as she was given the

medal by the Commandant of the Corps personally, then whisked her

away to hear the latest entertainment sensation. She wanted to scoff

when she saw the petite blonde woman in an Army private's uniform.

But then her attention was caught and held captive as the little storyteller

wove a spell of words. All her carefully laid plans for her R&R flew out

the window. Instead, every night found her listening, entranced, to the

young woman who could transport her audience into the realms created

from her imagination. The Marine never ventured to meet the young bard,

but held her stories in a corner of her heart. She did have to tell her

cousin about the experience. She knew he, of all people, could appreciate

a spellbinding tale weaver. Three years passed, and each mission was

beginning to wear on her heart and mind. The Marine was torn between

how she'd begun to feel, and what she knew was right. She was still one

of the best Sabres in the elite team's history, but... but... And if she

let herself think and feel this way too long, bad things would start to

happen. She needed to get her focus back, before the wrong people

started dying. So when she heard that the golden haired bard she had

been so enamored of was in the area, she asked for the time off to go

hear the young bard. For three nights, the Marine sat and listened, her

soul thrilling to the feeding the storyteller gave it. And when she left,

though she was no more convinced of the rightness of her mission any

longer than she had been before she arrived, she felt ready to do her

duty once again... with honour, and to the best of her almost limitless

capabilities. She did write to Tommy again, advising him to hire the

storyteller. It was one of the few times she advised him in any way on

how business at Midas was done.



And one of the best things you've ever done, Randi thought to herself as the shuttle landed without a sound back at the pad on the island. I just hope... she let the thought trail off as she exited the shuttle and made her way into her silent home, never looking back when the pilot lifted off as soundlessly as he'd arrived.

By the time Randi was ready to face the world again, it was Friday. Tommy was kind enough to let her know that the practice stage was ready, and the guys were all coming over to play. She had missed the rehearsal the week before, and though she really wasn't ready for the boisterousness the fellas all exhibited at these get togethers, she *was* ready for some company besides her own. So for reasons that later eluded her, she got out her bike and rode it over to Tommy's place early. Ella had invited her for dinner.

Things were set up and ready to go, and with a few minutes to spare after the sumptuous meal she had been fed, Randi wandered over to her drums. She sat down to warm up a bit, and before she knew it, the entire band was playing with her, following her lead. It was a good way to start practice, and had made for a fun evening. When the time came to call it an evening, though, she was instantly reminded of her lack of judgment in riding the bike.

"Oh, Man!"

"Wow! Nice bike!"

"Fine machine!"

"Check the wheels!"

"Ooo, hot ride, babe!"

The drummer just rolled her eyes. Typical machoisms rolled from lips of most of the men present. Only Joey and Tommy remained silent, knowing how Randi felt about the ogling. She went home shortly thereafter, having left them all speechless when she lost all patience and growled at them. The men had grown used to her aloofness, but were somewhat taken aback by her reaction, nevertheless. They quickly turned their attention, and their questions, to Tommy.

The next few weeks went by rapidly. The weather cooled off considerably, and attention was turned toward the upcoming Festival holiday. Randi was somewhat glad of this fact. Tommy had evidently given the guys the lowdown on the motorcycle, and their questions and comments had become more respectful and awe filled. Now, though, they all wanted to build their own, and considered her their answer man but with the holidays fast approaching, their interest turned toward merrymaking instead. The Marine was thankful for the respite.

The Goldmans had been in touch several times since Gwen had left on her military tour, and each time they had reminded her of her standing invitation to share Festival with them. Finally, she bit the bullet, inviting them to visit her instead. She was both surprised and relieved, and maybe just a touch terrified, when they accepted her proposal. When their message arrived agreeing, she immediately went to Ella for help. If the woman was shocked by Randi's actions, she never let it show. Instead, she got down to business, and helped her plan a nice holiday for all of them.

It fell to Randi to pick Geoff and Jill up from the hub. She greeted them cordially, and led them to the larger transport Tommy had arranged. When they stopped to let the bridge extend, Jill broke the silence.

"This is remarkable... and so different from home."

"Well, I'm glad ya'll decided to join us for the holiday. I, uh... I'm glad for the chance to um, show you around, and let you meet some of the folks here." It was one of the longer sentences either Goldman parent had heard the tall woman utter.

"Thank you for inviting us, dear. We are looking forward to meeting the people Gwen will be living and working with, her friends." Geoff nodded in agreement, but remained silent.

The remainder of the ride was brief, and they exited the transport where Randi immediately ushered them into the house. Geoff and Jill stood awestruck, staring in mute fascination at the gorgeous vista outside the glass wall. The brunette brought their bags in, and motioned them up the stairs. "This is Gwen's room, when she visits," she stated. "She did the decorating, so you should both be comfortable." She stopped outside the door, motioning them to enter ahead of her. When Geoff turned to retrieve the bags, his mouth dropped open and he froze. Jill noticed, and came back to stand beside him, only then noticing what had captivated his gaze.

"Oh. My. God." Was all she said, but her eyes and his were riveted to the life size portrait that filled one wall. Randi stood there blushing, badly, though for what reason she couldn't fathom. Finally she set the bags down outside the room, and headed back down the stairs without another word. Suddenly it occurred to her that this might not be such a great idea after all.

Ten minutes passed before the Goldmans, who had freshened up, exited their room and stood staring in awe once again at the huge picture covering one wall. Not realizing how their actions were being interpreted by the hostess, their gazes remained locked on the picture until the stairwell removed it from sight. The Marine, unsure of the reaction, simply opened the French door and walked out onto the deck, leading them outside. She was committed to a week of their company. She didn't want to make them uncomfortable at the outset. Jill unknowingly put her mind at rest.

"That portrait is magnificent, my dear. Simply stunning. I had forgotten how well the two of you look together. And the wall," she continued without giving Randi a chance to speak, "it looks as if it were made for it. Absolutely beautiful."

"Thank you, Mrs. Goldman... Jill," she corrected herself when the woman held up a hand.

"Thank you for inviting us for the holiday, Randi. It is very lovely here. I think this is the first time since my time in the military that I haven't been in snow, or at least frigid temperatures for Festival. How about you, love?" she inquired of the man who had wrapped his arms around her comfortably.

He snorted. "I nearly froze both Festival holidays I spent in the Navy. Do you know how cold it gets out on the water in winter?" Randi just chuckled and turned her eyes pointedly to the ocean spread in front of her. The Goldmans joined her in laughter.

She offered them a drink, which they accepted, and they moved the tête-à-tête inside the house. Shortly thereafter, they left to meet Tommy and Ella for dinner.

The following day, a Friday, they went to Midas. Geoff had made arrangements for a complete tour with Tommy the night before, and Jill went along to humor him. That evening, they all went to band practice. Jill was having quite a good time, and even convinced Tony to dance with her at one point. This got the others interested in it, and by night's end, they were all happy, but exhausted. Tommy and Randi built up a campfire, and they all sat around afterwards eating and drinking and telling tales of past Festivals. They each contributed something different to the traditions. It was a very relaxing way to spend the evening.

Saturday dawned, and Jill was up with the birds. Ella had extended an invitation to go shopping before the evening parade, and the older woman had been glad to take her up on it. Randi had offered to go with them, as a courtesy, but both women could see her heart wasn't really in it. Besides, Geoff had gotten wind of her motorcycle, and was looking forward to inspecting it... and possibly even coaxing a ride out of the tall brunette. So shortly after breakfast, Ella stopped by to pick up Jill, and Tommy and Geoff wandered over to the workshop with Randi.

The two men found they had a lot in common, and were quite comfortable in one another's company. And it wasn't long before the two of them were deeply involved in conversation. Randi joined in periodically, but mostly was content to listen. Geoff did get his ride, though he was glad to do so sitting behind Randi. Tommy made it clear she was only making an exception for him because of Gwen. And he was glad to respect her wishes of being the one to drive. Truth to tell, he was more comfortable with her driving. It had been years since he'd ridden a bike. But this was definitely giving him some ideas for retirement.

The parade was, in marked contrast to the symphony they usually attended, a boisterous and crowded affair. Tommy had box seats above street level, which helped alleviate some of the crush, but still allowed them to experience the full parade event. They went home laughing.

"Would either of you like to attend Temple with me this morning?" The Marine was sitting at a sunrise breakfast with the Goldmans when she quietly posed the question. Though caught completely by surprise, Jill answered quickly in the affirmative.

"We'd love to, dear." Geoff nodded his silent agreement. The more he got to know this stoic, complex woman, the more he found to like and admire about her. In short order, they were ready to go, and Tommy and Ella stopped by to pick them up in their large transport. The service was short, but poignant, and they all returned to Randi's home in respectful silence. Then their attention quickly turned to getting the meal together. Dinner was almost ready to put on the table, when the vid phone chimed for attention. Randi went to answer it. At the Marine's signal, they all gathered around to chat and laugh with Gwen. By the end of the hour, Randi could see the sparkle returning to her friend's eyes. She had been a bit concerned by what she had seen when Gwen first popped up on her monitor. But this virtual gathering appeared to be helping immensely, and the Marine was glad. The storyteller was doing an untold amount of good, and she hated to know it was adversely affecting her.

When they said goodbye, they kept it brief. Even before the comm link was severed, they were counting the days until Gwen would be home to stay.

The next few days were easy for Randi, as Tommy took over the entertaining of the Goldmans. He invited them out on his boat for a mini-cruise and some fishing. Randi declined to go, since there really wasn't room for her on his small cruiser. After three days, they came back tanned and ready for the big end of Festival blowout party. It was a smashing success, and Geoff and Jill were glad for the chance to say goodbye to all the new friends they had made on this visit. They were now much more comfortable about their daughter's choice to move so far away. It was good to know there were people here who cared for and about her, and who would look after her.

Randi took the Goldmans back to the shuttle hub the following morning.

"Thank you for having us, dear. We had a wonderful time, and it was so nice to meet so many of Gwen's friends here. You've helped put this old woman's mind at ease about her only child." She reached up and gave the Marine a firm hug. Startled, Randi reciprocated, squeezing gently.

"I'm glad you could come. Ya'll are always more than welcome." Both Geoff and Jill knew what that invitation cost Randi. Though she had been a gracious and attentive hostess, it was plain to both of them that she wasn't an especially social person, and having company around constantly was very hard for her. So they accepted the words for the importance they actually held.

Now Geoff stepped forward, and also gave the dark haired woman a hug. "That works both ways, you know," he said softly as they pulled apart. "You are always welcome in our home."

She nodded, then stepped back to allow them to board. Then she waved goodbye, and left the terminal.

The days seemed interminably slow in their passing. Finally, though, the last weeks' countdown was begun. Everyone caught the excitement of having the blonde woman back again. She had made many friends, and though none of them were as happy as Randi about her return, they were all gearing up to welcome her home.

The day before Gwen's scheduled arrival, Randi got a page. For the very first time, the Marine came perilously close to mutiny, but duty and honor won out once again. She grabbed her armor, and gear, throwing them on the bed. Randi dressed, and was adding her weapons when she remembered to call Tommy. A quick message left on his vid machine, and she finished her preparation and walked out the door, slamming it shut in her anger. There was no way she would ever be able to make this up to Gwen, or herself.



Chapter VI

The thought of Gwen became a mere footnote in her memory by the time she reached the shuttle pad. Long practice allowed her to put all personal concerns aside, and focus on the upcoming mission instead. The transport landed silently, and the doors whispered open long enough for her to climb aboard. The pilot handed her a report pad without a word, and lifted off as soon as the doors were firmly shut.

Technology was indeed a help and a hindrance these days, especially to the special forces community of the military. When world peace had finally been achieved, more than a hundred years previous, people had breathed a sigh of relief that a military force would no longer be necessary. This, of course, had been a major error in judgment, and had almost killed the peace before the ink was dry on the paper the agreement was written on. People found out very quickly that there would always be some who were not content unless they were stirring up the shit for everyone else to step in. So it was decided, then that there would be a worldwide military, mixing race, religion, and creed. This actually went a long way to helping secure the peace. By learning that former "enemies" were human beings much like themselves, with the same needs and desires, many found a way to work out the petty differences that had been formed through ignorance. But there were always some who could not see past their own hatred and prejudice.

Unfortunately, these groups tended to be at least as well equipped as the military force, and most of their number was far more committed to their cause than the average military member was to his. The mandatory two-year conscription into the military ensured the necessary numbers, but did not guarantee the quality of the recruits. Most did their best to their duty, but the commitment to sacrifice for that duty seemed to be missing from their makeup. And from this need, the Black Sabre unit was born.

The Black Sabres were formed from the elite forces of all branches of service, and contained a variety of ethnic backgrounds. They were trained in a multitude of both offensive and defensive tactics, and served to control, if not eliminate threats. Their biggest problem was it was nearly impossible for them to use much modern technology. By very bloody error, it was discovered that the tracers the rest of the world had could be turned against them, as well as all communications equipment. So once they went in on a call, they were virtually out of contact until *they* initiated it, which never happened until the job was done. This meant days or even weeks in which the teams disappeared completely.

Now, Randi sat back and reviewed the mission notes the pilot had handed her. This trip was truly going to be a bitch.

It didn't take very long, before the shuttle landed at the rendezvous point. Randi and her eight fellow teammates moved as one down into the bunker for their briefing. Sabres were a very interesting group. All told there were about one hundred worldwide that could be pulled for a mission at any given time. Of these, less than half were actually active duty. Most of them served their ten-year commitment, then resumed a real life in the civilian sector that was put on hold when they were needed. A few remained in the ranks until retirement, serving in the hazardous areas as ranking officers. Many of the Sabres were specialists, and were only called upon occasionally when a need arose for their particular expertise. But a small group were gifted, utilizing several skills, and making them the elite among the elite, and the most called upon for special duty. Randi had always been extremely proud to be part of this tiny sect of Sabres, until today. Today, she wished she were simply ordinary... not a Black Sabre, and certainly not the best of the best.

Without really contemplating the reasons for that thought, Randi took her seat and waited for the mission briefing to begin. It was very similar to the last several meetings she had sat through. The rebels had become rather clever in concealing themselves and it was much harder and took much longer to find them. The person they were (still) after had been chased for years across every continent and ocean. It was suspected that she was the rebel leader, but she was too slick for them to catch. Just when she seemed within reach, 'Ghost Rider' would slip from their net and disappear again. So they'd had to be content with catching underlings to this point.

When the assembly was concluded, the unit dispersed to make final checks on gear and supplies. Hmm... boot daggers, blasters, crossbow, quarrels, recharge packs, mentally tabulating the weapons already on her person. The Marine sat and checked through her backpack. It could be days or weeks before they saw civilization again and she wanted to be sure she had the necessary supplies. Let's see... three pairs black wool socks, poncho, extra gloves, wooly pulley sweater, change of clothes. Toiletries... dammit, I hate this unscented alcohol cleanser, thinking fondly of her vanilla scented soap at home. First aid kit, blackout, water tabs, laundry chem tabs, heat sticks. She checked the glasses around her neck, which could be adjusted for day or night use, and looked at the watch that also contained her compass. There were times, she mused, that being an enforcer of peace, instead of a protector like the everyday service individual, totally sucked wiener schnitzel with sauerkraut. Just the thought made Randi's mouth pucker in response. UGH! She picked up one last item, a luxury, but something she'd learned to make the sacrifice for. No woman should have to give up chocolate for an unlimited or undetermined amount of time. She could make a bag of miniatures last for quite a while if she was careful. And they were far better than the protein bars the unit was issued for emergency rations.

As the Marine waited for the rest of her team, she mentally reviewed the reasons this seemed to be becoming a more frequent occurrence, hoping that by not forgetting *her* history, she could perhaps get into the mind of their quarry.

It had come at the cost of millions of lives and terrible damage to the planet

itself. But in the end, world peace had finally been achieved. The Black Sabres

had become the guardians of the peace, putting out the rare rebellion handily.

As with most things, though, the passage of time made people forget the sacrifices

that were made to achieve the peace. Worse, it made some people resent it.

Slowly, gradually, small groups of malcontents began to pop up, determined to be

"special" because of their race, religion, creed or personal morals. The Sabres

kept them down for more than eighty years. Then thirty years ago, things had

changed drastically. A leader had appeared, uniting the many different factions

under a common banner. Destroy the peace, so we can once again fight over our

differences.

This concept baffled Randi, and she shook her dark head trying to comprehend this misguided logic now. There were enough bad things in life to worry about. How could people not enjoy, even celebrate, the peace. Perhaps she had seen too much of fighting and death. She just wanted this private war to be over.

But this leader, code named "Ghost Rider", was good. She knew how to keep the

groups stirred up, yet keep them under her control. And she knew how to stay

one step ahead of the Sabres. It almost made one think... but treason of that

degree was impossible to contemplate, especially in a small, tight-knit unit like

the Sabres. Trust in your comrades was everything, and without it...

Randi shook her head again. Going after "Ghost Rider" always made her uneasy in her gut. The woman was just too good, it seemed, and though she had already been around for several years before the blue-eyed woman became a Sabre, she still felt it a personal affront to her honor and duty that the woman was still loose and causing trouble.

They knew very little about "Ghost Rider", considering the length of time she had been around. Tall, thin, blonde, with insane depths in her brown eyes. Cruel, vicious, and a wonderful strategist. It actually said quite a bit for the woman's strength of character that she had managed to hold the individual factions together for so many years, especially when you realized how many of those groups considered any number of the others mortal enemies. And it said a lot for the Sabres that by and large, except for those of their number who now served in key military positions and outposts, the world was totally oblivious to this entirely too real threat to the peace.

Randi came back to the present with a start, when the other two female members of this team joined her, and set their backpacks next to hers on the ground. Lacey, their primary medic this trip, looked up at the overcast sky and muttered, "How long you think we've got til the bottom drops out?"

The Marine followed her gaze up, sighing inwardly at the thought of spending this entire outing wet. Just the idea made her whole mood want to shift to grouchy. She decided to wait until it happened. No sense anticipating feeling miserable. She shrugged her shoulders. "Dunno. "

"Better that the bottom drops out, and then we get clear weather for a bit, than to have a continuous drizzles for days on end," chipped in Brenda. The short Army woman was one of their best scouts, and she and Randi found themselves on many teams together. The taller woman leaned forward from her reclined position, and smacked her squarely on the back of her head. "OW!"

"Are you trying to jinx us or something?" The dark skinned woman's eyes grew round, and she slapped a hand over her mouth as the implications of what she had said dawned on her. Lacey sat on the bench besides her, snickering.

"Too late now, Bren. And if we get shitty weather this trip," seeing the mock glare the soldier was getting from the Marine, "well, it's been nice knowing ya."

The small woman slowly removed her hand from her lips. "I can't believe I said that."

"Neither can I," said the Marine. "Well," with a resigned sigh." won't be the first time we've all been wet together."

The other two burst into howls of laughter, leaving Randi to blush profusely when she realized what she had said. "In your dreams, Ladies. You couldn't possibly keep up," with a wicked grin.

The two women looked at her startled. What brought *that* on? Never once in the more than ten years they had served together as Sabres had Randi ever teased like that. But there was no time to pursue that train of thought, as the rest of the unit chose that particular moment to join them.

The first week was pure, unadulterated hell. The bottom had indeed fallen out of the sky not an hour after they were left at the drop point. The downpour cut their visibility so badly, they were forced to stop and seek shelter. Or more accurately, they were forced to build shelter. Removing their ponchos from their individual backpacks, the unit was able to construct a camouflaged covering large enough to protect all of them on top and about three quarters of the way down on the sides. The ground, however, was another story altogether. It was soaked, and while the water wasn't running through the makeshift tent, it was quite muddy inside. They broke out the heat sticks to try and dry things out, which they did quite handily. But the heat inside the structure became so warm that the Sabres themselves were forced back out into the cold rain to avoid overheating. After fifteen minutes, the sticks had done their job, and the men and women returned to the shelter. It was less than ten minutes before they and their armor were dry and toasty warm, and waiting for the storm to pass.

This early into the mission, there weren't any chores to catch up on, and no one was tired enough to need a nap yet. Randi noticed with a wicked twinkle, that Brenda had seated herself as far away from the Marine as possible. She might have a little fun with that later. But for now, they were stuck waiting for the storm to pass.

For six hours they sat, until the storm finally cleared enough for them to move on. It did settle into a cold, steady drizzle, which in fact made Randi cut her eyes over at the little scout more than once. But darkness had settled during their enforced rest. And they had learned early, the hard way, several times, that to try to track this particular enemy in the dark was deadly. Some of the traps she lay were so clever, so heinous, that orders had come down from the top... under no circumstances, save a flight for life were they to try to track "Ghost Rider" in the dark. The cost was far too high for the results they were achieving. With nine of them to stand watch, they only had to do so every other day. So they settled in for the night, content that they would be moving again soon.

For seven very long days, they settled into a frustrating routine. Up at the crack of dawn, and if it was clear enough, they would pack up, and slowly move on. Randi lost count of the number of times they'd been forced to stop due to the limited visibility, and a hike that should have taken them less than two days, took a week. A week of drizzle, and cold, uncomfortable temperatures that made them all miserable, and extremely thankful for the long life of their heat sticks.

Finally, they reached what had been their destination. The Sabres were aware that the whole fortress was not destroyed, because the one thing "Ghost Rider" didn't want was an internal war... yet. And destroying any one factions' hideaway base was a sure way to start one. So they left the place covered with traps. Having the Sabres demolish your home was a great motivator to continue to fight against them. When the unit finally reached its first target destination, the enemy, was of course, long gone. It took three more days, though, to carefully comb through the underground fortress, skillfully disarming booby traps, and looking for clues to indicate where their prey had gone. There was nothing definite for them to follow, though, and they split into three groups of three. They would all be scouts for now.

One more decent night's sleep. When morning found them, the units were gathered around their maps. The territory was divvied up, and a rendezvous location and time agreed upon. Within two days, everyone agreed to be at the meeting place. By then they should have a direction to head.

They nearly missed it, though in fact, Randi had sent the rest of her squadron back to the rendezvous to bring the entire unit to her location based solely on a hunch. Tiny and Mitch, both her equal in rank, followed her directive without question. They had seen her intuition pan out too many times to doubt her. The meeting place was nearly a day's walk from her location, though, and Randi hadn't been a Sabre as long as she had by being stupid. So she found a semi-comfortable spot in a high tree to wait for re-enforcements.

She had a long time to sit and think while sitting in that tree... contemplating her life... what it was... what it could have been. She thought of her folks, wondering, not for the first time, if they would have been so proud of her if they had known her true mission in the military. Her Papa had never expressed anything but pride and affection for her, but he had never been privy to the true nature of her calling.

She thought of Tommy and Ella. Almost ten years of marriage, and they still had no kids. She didn't know if it was by accident or design, and had never had the heart to ask. She remembered Tommy fondly as an older brother figure, and knew he would be a fine father one day if they chose to have a child. She hoped, if it wasn't a decision not to have one, that Artemis would grant them a baby. They would both make truly wonderful parents. She made a mental note to make a special offering for them when she got home.

Home... and with that her thoughts swung like a magnet to the North, toward Gwen. She tried to push the reason for that away, but it persisted in returning, and forced her to confront her feelings face first.

How did she feel about Gwen... really? The Marine thought back to the first time she had seen the storyteller. Although she was a very beautiful woman, and Randi acknowledged to herself that she was, it was her voice and her stories that first attracted her attention. Listening to the bard spin a tale had been, and still was in all honesty, a balm to her spirit. So was it just gratitude for her stories and friendship?

The tall woman looked at her watch, amazed to find two hours had passed during her silent contemplation. She stood carefully on her tree branch and stretched, hanging for a long moment from a branch above her head, while her back popped back into realignment. Then she opened her backpack and took out a protein bar and a miniature chocolate and settled back down with her thoughts.

So, she captured my attention and garnered my interest. Randi was honest enough with herself to admit that the blonde woman interested her more than anyone else she had ever met. Her problem seemed to be admitting the why. She shied away from those thoughts even now. I've always been interested in her, since I first saw her, She's beautiful, well-spoken, kind, thoughtful, considerate. She gave me her friendship, asked to be my friend in return, made me welcome in her family. But is it just gratitude?

Damn, Valiant, be honest with yourself, okay? She hung her head. Being honest with herself, about this, meant admitting something that she wasn't ready to acknowledge. In her line of work, falling in love was a bad idea. So what are the facts here anyway? Maybe you're just assuming these emotions. For all your sexual experience, I don't recall once ever having the word love come up for discussion. You've never even kissed the woman, for mercy's sake.

"Whoa, slow down," she said out loud to herself. The Marine ran long fingers through her dark tresses, noting absently the slight tremor that shook them. Where is all this coming from, anyway? I need to... you need to sit your butt back down and come to grips with reality, Valiant. Fact... this woman attracted your attention, garnered your interest, captured you heart and imagination, invaded your mind and then stole your soul with out so much as a by-your-leave. Fact... this woman is your best friend. Fact... she has never given you any indication she would like to be more than just your friend. Fact... the only kind of Sabre who falls in love is a dead Sabre. She knew this was not completely accurate, but only those Sabres who stayed in and advanced to high-ranking leadership positions had families. Those who were sent into the field knew better. It was an unspoken, but well understood rule. Face it, Valiant. You've broken the first commandment. You've fallen in love, and with your best friend even. How in the hell did you manage that?!? Great going, Marine! At least when you fuck up, you go whole hog! She bowed her head as the implications of that statement washed over her. It was something she could not, would not allow to happen. Gwen didn't deserve to be exposed to what she perceived to be as her true self. She deserved a lover, man or woman, who could share themselves completely with her, who was able to be totally honest, who wasn't dark and tainted. Randi sat in the tree for the remainder of the night, silent tears streaming from blue eyes in seemingly endless pain. When dawn crept over the horizon, she dried her face, and put forever behind her thoughts of what could have been, if only... By the time her team arrived with the rest of the unit, her stoic mask was in place, and an icy reserve, chilling even for her, resonated from her person. No one dared question her... she'd made it very clear that any sort of chit-chat was unwelcome. But each and every Sabre there wondered what had happened to their comrade while she had been alone for two days.

The next nine days were very slow going. Besides the drizzle that popped up just often enough to keep everything slick and treacherous, the area became more difficult to penetrate the closer the unit drew to the rebels new hiding place. Traps were laid thicker, though their crudity showed the haste with which they were assembled.

Nick, who had been assigned their leader for this campaign, got caught in one of the nastier ones. Large metal barbs buried themselves deeply into the flesh of his left leg, from ankle to hip. Randi, who was the second in command this trip, and who was on point, whirled around at his muffled outcry. The tall man had been about three yards to her right when he tripped the trigger switch. He went down, and the Marine cautiously, quickly made her way to his side. The rest of the unit was almost as fast, and Lacey swiftly opened her medical kit, and took out the necessary laser tools to cut through the man's armor. Great, Randi thought in disgust, they've found a way to penetrate the amour. Just fucking great. This trip has been nothing but a disaster from the get-go. Damn!

Nick looked at her and nodded, transferring command to her in the single gesture. Then Lacey gave him a shot to relax him, and the rest of the unit moved a short distance away to give the two a bit of privacy for the repair work. The medic hated hangers on watching over her shoulder, but it was out of respect for the wounded man, mostly, that they moved away. It was always unpleasant to be reminded of how human they all really were.

"John, I want you to stay here with Nick and Lacey. Even with the regen enhancer, it's gonna take about forty-eight hours for him to recover."

The burly man nodded agreement. Sabres never left comrades unprotected. And with Nick unable to defend himself, and Lacey's attention focused on healing him, it was an honor to be chosen to stay. He moved over to within hearing distance, and began walking a narrow perimeter.

Randi moved the rest of her team out at an even slower pace. They couldn't afford any more injuries.

The rest of the team would try to catch up as soon as Nick healed, but there was no guarantee they would make it in time to see any action. And the way this endeavor was panning out, none of them might see any.

By midday on the third day since Nick's accident, they found the new encampment of the rebel band. This was a part of the group that called themselves Fringe Amazons from the looks of things. About twenty-five women, well armed, and from the looks of things, expecting a siege.

This was the part Randi hated the most, and this was the rebel confederation she had the hardest time putting down. She could certainly understand and even sympathize with women wanting to be their own society, but these women were vicious and unruly, and wreaking havoc on otherwise peaceful societies. Though nothing had been proven in this regard, it was also suspected that they were responsible for the disappearance of many girl children before their implants were done. Left in their place were boys of approximately the same age and size.

The Sabres pulled back into the trees, to rest and regroup until dark. They would need a plan. They also needed to discover if "Ghost Rider" was in this camp.

The time they spent in the trees allowed them to observe the camp without being seen. Apparently, these Amazons had not yet learned to maneuver through the forests, although they did keep several lookouts in some of the bigger trees surrounding the outpost. There were also four sentries walking the place constantly. The Marine hadn't seen any sign of their chief nemesis, but the luck of the mission thus far told her she probably wouldn't.

By dark, they had seen four shift changes. Every two hours, things rotated. Those patrolling the ground moved to the trees. Those in the trees went off duty. And fresh women came out to walk the perimeter of the camp. Full dark and the sound of the dinner chime. This left the eight women on guard duty virtually alone. Moving silently through the trees, Randi and Tiny dispatched the four in the trees. Then with equal stealth, they dropped to the ground and killed the other four. They signaled the remaining members of their team, who quickly removed the four bodies from sight. Then they waited in silence for the rest of the Fringe Amazon women to show up to die.

The dawn found the Sabres burying the dead rebels. Honor dictated they show respect for the dead, regardless of what they had been in life. So they used their blasters to perform the cremation, and then gently laid the ashes to rest in the grave they had dug for that purpose. Randi said a quiet prayer to Artemis and Athena over each one. The six soldiers were exhausted by the time they were finished, but propriety demanded they move away from the gravesite. So, they shouldered their packs, and began to move out slowly back toward their comrades. They were careful to keep and eye out for traps they had missed on the way in. The unit stopped for the day just as the sun touched the horizon.

Camp was silent that night. These missions were always hard on the soul, especially when it was as fraught with complications and difficulties as this one had been. They were no closer to finding "Ghost Rider" either. Not one of the women who had been interrogated had offered up the first piece of information about her. Death was preferable to perceived dishonor.

Misguided loyalty, Randi thought to herself. How many humans have died due to misguided loyalty to a person who wants to see them all fighting and killing each other anyway? What is so horrible about peace that we will do anything to keep from having it? She shook her dark head in disgust. I'm sorry, Artemis. I don't know what this world is coming to... what *I* am coming to. She set up the guard rotation, and waited for the darkness to pass.

Late afternoon, the following day, found their comrades catching up with them. Randi shook her head negatively at Nick, indicating that no one had been left alive in the camp, and that they were no closer to catching their quarry. He accepted her silent information with a nod of his own, and resumed command of the team. She was more than happy to let him. This trip had been more draining on her than usual, and she needed some time and space to work things out in her own mind. With any luck, they would be back in the nearest base in a week, and she could just go home. She wanted a chance to write this in her diary. It was the best form of therapy she had ever found for her tattered psyche.

It was slow going, but without all the rain and drizzle that had plagued them for the better part of the expedition, they did make it back to the military base in eight days. Immediately, they were sent to the showers and bed. It had taken them far longer to accomplish this campaign than had been expected, and the lines of exhaustion were etched deeply in all their faces. The fact that the outpost had been destroyed was enough information for now. The debriefing could wait until they had slept.

It took forty-eight hours for all nine members of the team to be awake and coherent enough for the debriefing to begin. Nick had been examined by the compound doctor, who praised Lacey's work. Except for the fact that the man had a two-inch wide patch of skin running from hip to ankle that had not grown hair yet, it was impossible to tell that he'd been injured so severely. The Sabres sat in the conference room most of that day, going over all the different parts of the patrol, highlighting the two new traps they had seen and disarmed. It was important to get this information out to the rest of the unit. They didn't want to see any of their other comrades taken down by them. At the end of the session, the commanding officer, herself a Sabre, declared a week of R&R. This news was received with varying enthusiasm on the part of the Sabres. A few of them just wanted to go home. But they all understood the inherent need to return to a form of normalcy in this safe and contained environment.

Randi, for her part, hung her head and went for a walk, looking for a temple. She felt the need to meditate, as a way to calm and center herself until she could get home and pour her thoughts out. She could, she supposed, have done that from the base. But the fact of the matter was, she didn't trust the security here like she did her own. And it wasn't like there was a lot of privacy here either. So she decided to reflect on the past few weeks events and revelations.

The temple was located just outside the base. There was an understanding between the religious order and the military one, and the military respected Holy ground. The temple was well taken care of, and represented the many different deities the people subscribed to. Randi found a small, unoccupied prayer room, and locked herself in. She planned to be here for a few days.

Four days into her seclusion, a voice spoke to her. "Rise and walk with us, my child." Before her stood Artemis, lifting her chin in gentle fingers. Behind her stood Athena, compassion clear in her flaming eyes. She looked around her, finding herself in a garden of indefinable origins. Then she rose to her feet, while her patrons took up positions on either side of her, and they walked.

"You have done well, child. We are proud of the way you walk your chosen path."

"Even after what I just did?" Doubt filled the Marine's voice.

"Even then. What you do is for the greater good. We have a true Amazon Nation in place that prospers well in this peace. Making war on innocents, as those women were doing, is sheer savagery. Fighting for the right to kill people who are different, *because* they are different from you is just wrong. And we do not condone their actions.

"Thank you. I wish I could rid myself so easily of the guilt."

"You feel because it is your nature. It is what makes you so good. But know this, child, a much greater challenge is on your horizon. Your future hangs in the balance."

"And...."

"And we can tell you no more. You must learn to trust your feelings, as well as your instincts. Come, it is time to go back to the temple. The acolytes have refreshment waiting for you. No more questions," when she started to speak. "You are among the most favored of all the gods, but even you cannot be told of what lies ahead."

The deities blessed her, and kissed her forehead softly. When Randi opened blue eyes again, her body had resumed its meditative position, and she was locked in the prayer room she had been in for (glancing at her watch) six days. The "short" time she had spent with the goddesses had taken two days, but she felt, if not at peace, then renewed in her mind.

The Marine rose from her relaxed position on the floor, and unlocked the door. Waiting, just as had been promised, was a tray of refreshment. She slowly drank the nutrient filled water and ate the energy laden food bar so as not to shock her system after its six day fast. She placed a small offering on the altar, and returned to the base. It was time to go home.

The commander of the base showed no surprise when Randi asked for transport home a day early. She had made the R&R an order, knowing it would be followed. The older woman had served with Randi when she was still green, and she chuckled over the wildcat the Marine had once been. The smile turned sad, though as she realized how withdrawn the other woman had become with the passing years. She wondered if Randi still wrote in her diary, but she didn't ask. Instead, she granted the early transport, and wished her comrade gods speed.

Randi checked in at the Club, sure she would find her mission mates there. They cheered when she walked in the door, having wondered where she'd disappeared to. They were a bit disappointed when she didn't sit down and drink with them, but even the most unobservant of them could see something was still troubling the tall Marine. So they wished her safe journey, and went back to their relaxing when she walked out the door.

The trip home was made in silence, Randi having nothing to say, and her pilot having no desire to stir the fires he saw banked in her eyes. He hadn't gotten to twenty years as a military pilot by being stupid. The shuttle settled on the island's private pad several hours later. The Marine thanked her pilot quietly, directing him to the closest military facility for some rest before he returned to his regular duty station. Though she didn't outrank him, the status of the Sabres who went out like she did gave credence to her suggestion, and he decided he was tired enough to take a rest. Old Sabres like himself knew when to take advice.

Randi let herself in the house, surprised at the quiet. She figured Gwen would be up by now. She took her things to the laundry room, and set them in the cleansing closet immediately. She'd had to install this little addition herself, after she'd moved in. It was a special little facility especially designed to clean her armor. Her weapons, cleaned upon awakening at the base before the debriefing, were put away in their special place in her walk-in. Then, unable to stand it anymore, she moved toward the stairs, contemplating what she could say to Gwen that wouldn't reveal anything except her gladness to have her here at last. She knew it was wrong, but she couldn't help the bit of giddiness that flowed through her as she mounted the stairs. You've gotta get over this, Valiant, especially if you're gonna share living space with the woman. It didn't help, and a smile crossed her face unbidden as she knocked on the door. No answer. The smile slipped. She knocked again, then gently turned the knob. The bed was made, and there was no sign of occupation anywhere in the room. The Marine crossed swiftly to the bathroom, and found it empty as well. The smile fell completely, and she stiffened her shoulders in acceptance of what she perceived to be a sign from the gods. Obviously we are not meant to be together, and in this way they are assuring I understand that and get over it.

Her mind *thought* it understood, but her heart was breaking a second time, and she left the room and took the stairs at a run. Then she was out the French doors and running down the beach at an impossible clip.

She returned after several hours, when dark was settling over the island, and her body demanded a rest. Standing under the shower a few minutes later, she let the water rinse away the dirt and sweat, wishing it could do the same with the pain in her heart. This must be my great challenge. Learning to live without her completely, the Marine thought resignedly. Then she collapsed into bed and fell into a deep sleep. High above, Artemis and Athena looked at each other and shook their heads sorrowfully. And a glance at their sister showed them she wasn't very pleased with the warrior either.

Many hours of the next two days saw the Sabre sitting at her computer. She could have, she knew, recorded her entry vocally, but she always felt she was more thorough and accurate when she typed it all out. It gave her a chance to visually compartmentalize her thoughts, feelings and experiences. Her detail was much richer in written form as well.

It occurred to Randi again, as she typed and then reread her diary entry that this patrol had more than bad luck. It was almost like they knew we were coming. In this way, she was able to put her feelings for Gwen aside, and concentrate on the reality of a traitor in their midst. The Marine began researching the diary, bypassing the personal entries, and focusing on the military ones. She found some disturbing oddities, but nothing she could put a definitive finger on.

She locked the journal and shut down the computer. The tall woman sat, staring at a blank screen for long minutes with her hands steepled at her lips. Finally, restlessness drove her from her seat, and she started to pace the floor. She walked slowly back and forth for a good twenty minutes before she came to a decision. Even though it was near dark, she grabbed a duffle, and loaded it with a few things. Then she set the security system, hopped on her bike, and rode away.

Tommy was getting just a little angry, and more than a little concerned with his younger cousin. He knew she had arrived home ten days ago, and he had not heard hide nor hair from her since. Not that it was unusual for her to want a bit of space for a couple days when she got back from one of her "outings". But up to now, Randi had always been more than considerate in calling him or Ella within that forty-eight hour period. Mostly to let them know that she was home, but also to silently indicate she was ready to interact with society again. This time, though, this time she had gone a week and a half without a word, and it was affecting his entire world.

Ella, caring for Randi as the sister she'd never had, was growing thinner with worry. The band seemed lackluster in its playing without her fire. But it was Gwen who concerned him most. When he had told the bard of the Sabre's arrival home, he had cautioned her that it would be a couple days before anyone heard from or saw her. She accepted that, knowing it for the truth, but hoping to hear from her friend soon thereafter. As the days passed with no word, the blonde grew heavier of heart; the joy of knowing Randi was home being replaced by the hurt of being ignored by her. The entire Guild seemed to pick up on her unhappiness, and the depression she felt slowly cast a pall over everyone at Midas. By the tenth day of Randi's continued disappearance, Tommy was reaching the end of his rope.

Since it was already a Thursday, he decided to give everyone an unscheduled three-day weekend. He had hopes the extra playtime would put everybody in a better mood, and they'd be ready to work again come Monday morning. His announcement was greeted with a bit of enthusiasm, and he was locking up less than an hour later.

When he reached the island, he drove straight to Randi's house. He was of a mind to have a few words with her. His knock received no answer. He unlocked the door, and disarmed the security system, standing quietly listening for any sound of habitation. A quick walk around showed no recent sign of occupancy. He went to the garage to see if she was there, tinkering on her bike again. She had been known to become oblivious to everything around her when working on the WARRIOR. He not only did not find the Marine, but saw the bike was gone. His concern started to outweigh his anger. The reason she had left must have been pretty damned important for her to have not even called to let him know that she was home safe but leaving immediately.

He locked up the garage, and returned to the house to reset the system there. He was just exiting the front door when the familiar rumble of a motorcycle headed towards him caught his attention. He walked over to stand by his transport, a little surprised when she rode right by him, and drove straight into the bike shed. He jogged the short distance, and went inside.

The duffle was sitting on the floor beside the bike, and Randi had her back to the door. She was in the process of wiping the motorcycle down after her lengthy road trip. The Marine stiffened when he reached the doorway, but did not turn to acknowledge him. He stood in silence for a while, just watching her work. By her movements, he could tell she was still greatly disturbed by something, and he was pretty sure it wasn't his presence. He decided to announce himself gingerly. If she wanted him gone, he could wait til later to talk to her. So he cleared his throat.

" Wondered how long you were gonna stand there," she said, continuing her work without turning around.

Her comment angered him, knowing he was there, but refusing to acknowledge him, and it fueled him to bait her. "And where in the hell have you been?"

She whirled on him then, eyes flashing fire, but he had worked up a lot of worry and anger over her second disappearance, and was ready to let her have it. He continued on as though she was just gonna stand there and listen. "Do you know how worried sick we have all been? How dare you...."

"How dare *I*? Who the hell do you think you are, questioning me like this? I am not a child anymore, Tommy. And I'm not your responsibility. I'm not anyone's," she finished in a whisper, eyes dropping.

He sensed far more in that last comment than she was actually saying, but he let it go for now. He knew there were some things he couldn't push her on, and he was pretty close to the edge right now. "Randi, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell, but we have all been worried."

"Why? You know I can't talk about...."

"I know, but that's not what I mean. Wait, we do worry about you when you go off like that, don't get me wrong, but we know you are out of reach. But always before, when you've come back, after a couple days, you call and let us know you're okay. It's been ten days, Randi. Ten days. Ella has stopped eating she's been so upset, and Gwen...."

"What about Gwen, Tommy?" she asked when he didn't continue. "She didn't care enough to be here when I got back. It couldn't have mattered to her too much that I didn't call." A pause. "I am sorry about Ella, though. Something urgent was brought to my attention shortly after I got home, and I had to leave right away to check some things out. It didn't even occur to me to call."

Tommy sat stunned as his mind reviewed what she had said about the bard. "Wait, waitaminute. Hold on. Would you like to repeat the part about Gwen for me, please?"

"Sure. What part didn't you understand?"

"All of it, actually. You wanna start from the top?"

"Not really. I'm tired, and it doesn't really matter now. So if you'll excuse me...."

"I don't think so," he answered, laying a hand on her arm. "I've had to give the whole damned business a three-day weekend."

"And what does that have to do with me? Or Gwen, for that matter?"

He rolled his eyes and threw up his hands in disgust. "Women! Honest to... I swear! Can't see " She raised an eyebrow. "Look," he continued, "Let's go in the house. I need a drink."

She gazed at him a moment longer then capitulated. "Yeah, me too."

Now his brow rose. He knew she kept it in the house for guests, and the occasional glass, but never had he ever heard her admit to needing a drink.

They walked in, and he reset the alarm while she dropped her bag in her bedroom. Then she walked to the bar and raised her eyebrow at him again.

"Whiskey, neat," he replied to her unspoken question. She pour one for him and another of the same for herself then brought them over to the couch where he was sitting. He took a deep drought, wincing slightly at the burn as it went down. Then watched in sharp amazement as she polished the three fingers of alcohol as though it had been a shot.

"Now, you wanna start this discussion, or shall I?" he asked when her eyes opened again.

"Why don't you?" she said closing her eyes again. The pain of her unresolved feelings for the bard was far too evident in her eyes, and she didn't want him to see it. "You seem to be confused about something."

"Yeah, well, I'm not the only one," He continued before she could gather the words to respond. "Why do think Gwen doesn't care about you, Randi? She's your best friend."

Yeah, that's what I thought too," letting the hurt and bitterness show through. "But she wasn't here when I got home. Hasn't been here at all as far as I can tell."

"Randi," confusion evident in his tone, "Why would she be here? We didn't know where you were or how long you'd be gone."

"Yeah, but... she... I mean, I...."

Comprehension suddenly dawned in the man's eyes. "Oh, Randi. She wasn't here, hasn't been here, because you weren't. She would never presume an invitation, and it wasn't my place to invite her."

The Marine sat silent, astonishment clear in her features. It had never once dawned on her that the reason for the storyteller's absence could be so simple and polite. It had been *her* place to extend an invitation, a welcome to the bard, and she had totally dropped the ball. She groaned and got up to fix herself another drink. Tommy shook his head in the negative when she raised the bottle in his direction. The tall woman was gonna need a bit of time to sort through all this, but not tonight. She was beat, and the feelers she had put out for information were gonna take a while before they found anything. Discrete avenues outside normal channels took much longer than open ones.

Bringing her attention back to the matter at hand she asked, "So, why'd you give the entire Guild the day off tomorrow?"

"Honestly? Because Gwen's depression is bringing everybody else down, and nothing productive is getting done anyway. Maybe with an extra day off, folks will bounce back." A beat. "You *are* gonna call Gwen, right?"

Her face was a study in embarrassment, chagrin and longing. "I don'...." She stopped talking when his hand covered her mouth.

"The correct answer here is YES. So do me a favor and nod your head in the affirmative." She nodded. "Good girl. Will you really?"

"Yes, Tommy. I really will." I need to figure out what I'm gonna say, though, besides, "Hi Gwen. I am an IDIOT!!!" "And I'll call Ella tomorrow as well."

"Thanks, Randi," he said with relief. "I'll be sure to tell her. She'll be glad to hear it." He studied her now, noting with concern the fine lines of exhaustion and worry etched on her face. But he could also see some of the tension in her shoulders had dissipated, due in part, he thought, to his information. He rose. "Hey, you look about done in." Her brow inched up. "No offense, but I'm gonna go so you can get some rest. Will I see you tomorrow night?"

"Dunno. Lemme see how I feel. Right now I feel like I could sleep for a week."

"Fair enough. But please don't forget to call Ella." A pause. "And Gwen."

"I'll do my best. Good night Tommy," walking him to the door. He opened his arms for a hug, and she willingly obliged him. After a long moment, they separated, and he kissed her cheek lightly, She returned it in kind, and he bade her happy dreams. Then he left without another word.

Randi shut and locked the door behind him, turning tiredly into her room. She went straight to the shower and turned on the hot water, stripping down and stepping in when it was hot. She stood under the spray until she felt her muscles begin to unknot and relax. Then she made quick work of washing herself clean, glad to be rid of the road grime. She knew she had lots of thinking and sorting to do, but it would have to wait until she got a bit of rest. She was much too tired at this point to think coherently. As soon as she was dry, she climbed in the bed, and was asleep when her head hit the pillow.

Looking into their scrying bowls, the two goddesses traded glances, hoping she would figure it all out before it was too late. The third sister continued to keep watch over the sleeping woman.



Chapter VII

It was midmorning before the Marine awoke, and it startled her a bit to know she had slept so long. She rubbed her eyes hard, trying to clear the sleep from them. Then she got out her running gear, deciding a visit to Ella was in order.

She found them sitting out on the deck enjoying the rare time off together in the middle of the day. Ella spotted her coming and ran out onto the sand to greet her. "Randi!" giving the taller woman a bear hug. "I've missed you!"

"I missed you to, Ella. I, uh, I'm sorry I, uh forgot... It's just that...."

"No explanations, short stuff," looking up in delight as the dark brow rose. "I'm just glad you're here now. Have you had breakfast?" At Randi's negative shake, the smaller woman grabbed her arm and pulled. "C'mon, let's get you something to eat. You look like you haven't had a decent meal in months." Truth, the blue-eyed woman realized, and let herself be led away.

It was early afternoon before she made it back to the beach house. She had stayed and caught up with Ella and Tommy until it became evident to her that she was putting off the inescapable task of calling Gwen. She wasn't sure of her reception, after her big screw-up. But she bowed to the inevitable, and placed the call. Palms sweating, heart pounding she waited for the other woman to pick up the vid phone, only to get a recording. She hung up before she could leave a message. This was something she needed to say while at least talking to a live person, and not to a machine.

At that very moment, Gwen was twelve hundred miles to the north, at her parents' house. When Tommy had given them a three-day weekend, she'd packed a small bag and caught a late transport out. She wasn't really sure why she ran to them, but she was glad for the unexpected holiday.

Jill, of course, knew something was troubling her offspring, but decided to let Gwen tell in her own good time. In the meantime, she was going to enjoy her daughter's visit. They had spoken every week since the bard's return, but this was the first time they'd actually been together in close to eight months.

The elder Goldman female knocked softly on the younger's door somewhat early the next morning. She was hoping to talk Gwen into some serious shopping, a past time they both enjoyed, but hadn't indulged in together in a very long while. Upon entering her daughter's room, however, any thoughts of waking the bard flew right out of her head. She looked so peaceful, and reminded Jill of the little girl she had once been. So the mother simply smoothed the covers over the body hugging the pillow in the center of the bed, and left as quietly as she had come.

A couple hours later, rested and refreshed, the storyteller made her way down the stairs to the kitchen. Grabbing a cup of coffee, she kissed her mother's cheek and invited, "So, you ready to do some shopping?"

Jill smiled at the twinkle in her daughter's eye. It was good to know some things never changed.

Thirty minutes later found them walking along the shopping district. Talk had been general, a bit of catch-up on their friends and neighbors. When Gwen didn't mention her, Jill asked after Randi. She had taken a sincere liking to the woman, and felt there was more than liking between the two of them. She caught the fleeting pain that crossed the storyteller's features, before they were schooled into a pleasant mask. What was *that* all about, I wonder. But she knew it was best to let her daughter reveal what she was comfortable with in her own good time.

"I don't know. I haven't seen her since I got back." Truth, as far as it went.

"Haven't seen her? Why not?" Pushing a little. "Did you two have a fight?" Pushing a lot.

"No, Mother. We didn't have a fight. I haven't seen her to fight with."

"Then...?" When it became apparent that Gwen wasn't going to continue.

She pulled the older woman into a sidewalk café. Once they had been seated inside out of the weather, and had ordered their tea, Gwen folded her hands on the table and took a deep breath. "Mother, Randi is involved with... something. I don't know what, and it has been indicated that questions on that subject are taboo. But whatever this... something is, it owns her."

"What do you mean, dear? I'm not sure I understand what you are saying."

"That's OK, Mom. I'm not sure I understand what I'm trying to explain. I just know that there were times, and apparently still are, when she would disappear for days, sometimes weeks, without warning. And she'd reappear just as suddenly. It may have something to do with her job. I don't know. It made her extremely uncomfortable when I tried to bring it up. So I didn't."

The bard didn't mention to her mother how isolated, how distant Randi became after those trips. She hadn't really considered the implications of that behavior. It would be something to ponder. Her attention was brought back to the present with her mother speaking.

"Well, dear. I think you did the right thing. Don't push. She'll open up to you when she's ready."

"You really think so, Mom?"

Thinking of the looks that had passed between her daughter and the tall Marine, she simply answered, "I *know* so, dear." Jill noticed the look of relief that flowed across the planes of Gwen's face and the set of her shoulders. And she tactfully changed the subject to more general topics.

Late that night, as she and Geoff were preparing for bed, Jill broached the subject. She had a feeling her husband might be able to shed some light on the subject. Weapons smiths were very aware of security issues, and what they entailed.

"Geoff?" while brushing out her hair. He was just slipping under the covers.

"Yes, hon?" He answered almost absently, picking up his eBook.

"What do you know about Randi? About what she does?" She had no way of knowing he had done some extensive research on that very subject. Everything he could find out, he liked immensely, but there were several stone walls as well. He decided to accept the fact that someone that highly decorated had to have some secrets. Especially if his suspicions, which would never be confirmed, were true.

"What do you mean, love?"

"Well, seems her job makes her disappear abruptly for undetermined amounts of time. Is that, I mean, well is that normal for security personnel?"

Now Geoffrey Goldman was not a stupid man, and he knew what his wife was really asking. So instead of asking the audible question, he answered her unasked query instead.

"Jill, Randi Valiant is one of the most honorable people I have ever met. Gwen is very lucky to have made a friend of her. I would be proud to call her part of my family one day."

And with those three simple sentences, her mother's heart found satisfaction. And she was glad for the peace her husband had given her with his words. "Thank you, love."

The next two days passed peacefully, and Gwen was in a much better frame of mind as she readied herself for the return trip south. Her father took the opportunity to talk to her alone for a few minutes while she was packing.

"I'm glad you came home, sweetheart. It's been good to have you here, even for a little while."

"Thanks, Daddy. I needed this." And she gave him a big hug.

"You come back anytime you get the chance, and try to bring Randi with you next time, huh? I like her a lot."

"If I can, Daddy," with a bit of sadness.

"He grasped her chin in his hand gently and pulled her eyes up to his. He hesitated, debating on what to reveal. He knew, from his talks with her mother what was bothering his daughter, and now set about to help her without giving anything away.

"Little One, have faith in your friendship with her. Whatever it is that is keeping Randi away from you right now is about her, not about you. You need to give her a chance to work through it, and be there for her when she is ready to talk to you about it, if she ever is." She looked at him questioningly, but didn't speak. He continued, "She, well, let's just say she's seen a lot of things she should never have had to and leave it at that." He interrupted her as she started to speak. "No questions, daughter. I don't know the answers. And until Randi is ready to tell you, you mustn't ask her either. This is something she needs to initiate, all right?"

The bard nodded, understanding far more than what was being spoken aloud. She resolved to be there for her friend when Randi was ready to talk, and to just be there for her until then. She also made a mental note to see if she could put together the pieces of this particular puzzle by watching, listening, and learning.

She wasn't too surprised to find no messages from her Marine friend when she got home, but decided then and there to wait until she could talk to Randi face to face. That determination was greatly challenged however, by the tall woman's evident avoidance of her. She had seen Miranda at Midas Monday morning just before lunch, but the brunette disappeared when she caught Gwen's eye.

The bard overheard snippets of conversation during lunch about the Marine, none of them favorable.



Wonder what crawled up her ass and died?

She's been pricklier than a porcupine in heat.

Maybe she is.

No, I don't think so. She's too damned frigid to be in heat.
I thought she was cold and aloof when she first came back here, but this... I'm glad I don't have to deal with her today. Damn! I ever heard her growling at the boss. She nearly handed him his head.

This caught the bard's attention. Even when Randi and Tommy disagreed, they rarely raised their voices to do so. She was growing quite concerned about whatever had brought about these changes. Gwen got up, even though her lunch wasn't over, to see if she could find her friend. But Randi had managed to escape both Tommy and the storyteller for the present. The bard found herself outside of Tommy's office before her break was over, and lightly tapped on the door.

Randi was not having a good day. Not that this should surprise me... I haven't been having a good day for a while now. Damn! She had spent the entire weekend, at odd intervals, trying and failing to reach Gwen at home. Illogically, she came to the conclusion that the younger woman was avoiding her, and determined to stay out of her way for the duration. So when Tommy asked about her, Randi had reacted rather harshly.

I don't know how she is! I haven't talked to her. She's avoiding me, so get the hell off my back, all right?!

She'd stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind her. She went straight to her office, but couldn't concentrate; her thoughts were in such a whirl. Maybe I just need something to drink. She got up from her chair and headed over to the dining hall. Halfway there she caught Gwen's eye, and did a one eighty, turning and heading back the way she came. Before she realized her feet's intentions, she was in her transport, and headed back to the island, and her sanctuary.

Valiant, you are nothing but a coward, you big chicken! She was disgusted with herself, but at a loss to know how to fix it. Instead, she continued on her way, sighing in relief when she arrived home. She bypassed the house entirely, going directly to the deck. She sat there for a long while, contemplating the water in front of her. An idea began to form in her mind, and she walked down toward the water to study the possibilities. Even this far south, the water was chilly toward the end of winter, so she stopped short of actually entering it. But enough of her plan had taken shape, that she could get started laying the groundwork. By the time the water was warm enough, she would be ready. A smile crossed her face, and she relaxed a little. Until she realized she had to go back to work. A look at the sky told of the lateness of the hour, and she knew most everyone should be gone, so she could return and work uninterrupted for a while. Maybe it would be better if I did my work when no one's there, anyway. I am sick of trying to deal with people.

It was quiet when she entered the office area. She had made a few spot checks, overall pleased with the security level around the complex, but still finding a few things that needed work. She made note of these, and got down to taking care of the things that needed her attention. Much later, she headed back home. She was too tired to notice the message light flashing on the vid phone, and went straight to bed. When she got up in the morning, she deleted it sight unseen, not realizing her error until it was too late.

For six days she followed this pattern, sleeping late and staying at home until late evening, when she went in to Midas and took care of whatever business needed tending to. Tommy noticed her work was getting done, even though he never saw her. He thought strongly about confronting her, but decided to wait and see if she would come to him first. He had no idea how quickly things were coming to a head.

"C'mon in," Tommy called out to whoever was knocking. His PA was out of the office on personal business. Just as well, considering Randi's earlier episode. He wasn't too surprised to see Gwen standing in his doorway, and he beckoned her in and gestured her to shut the door. He motioned for her to be seated and waited for her to begin. He didn't have long to wait.

"Tommy, what's going on?"

"I'm not sure I understand the question, Gwen." Not deliberately trying to evade, but wanting to be clear on what she was asking.

"What's up with Randi?" she asked bluntly. "She didn't call while I was gone, and she's avoiding me. Did something happen...?"

"Wait. What do you mean she's avoiding you? She thinks you're avoiding her. And she said she tried to call all weekend, but you never picked up her calls,"

"Tommy, I wasn't *home* all weekend. I took the time off to go visit my folks. She didn't leave a message. I checked."

A silence in the room as they both considered what had been said. "Oh, dear. This could be a problem," said the woman.

"You aren't kidding. But Gwen?"

"Yeah?"

"Let her come to you."

"Hmm," was her noncommittal answer. "Thanks, Tommy." And she left his office and went back to work.

By the time six days had passed, Gwen didn't know whether to be more hurt or angry. At the moment, though, she was leaning heavily toward angry. And she decided it was time to take matters into her own hands. If she waited for Miranda Valiant to make the first move towards reconciliation, hell would freeze over before anything got done.

Randi walked into her office late that evening, having spent a bit of time making rounds with the night security, pointing out different things that needed work. Her attention was taken by some suggestions one of the personnel had made when she entered her office, that she didn't notice she was not alone until she saw Gwen sitting in her chair. The Marine froze. Why didn't they tell me she was here? I am in such deep shit!

The emerald eyes blazing at her pinned her in place. Even when the blonde woman rose from the chair and came around the desk, Randi couldn't move. And the bard moved right into her personal space, poking at her chest to emphasize her words.

"Miranda Valiant! I have HAD it! We have to talk NOW. Sit."

The Marine obediently dropped into a chair. The blonde walked around the desk, but remained standing. "Now, would you like to explain what is going on?" in a quieter voice, but anger still laced her words and tone. When she was met with silence, she looked down at her folded hands and asked softly, "Why are you avoiding me? Aren't we friends any more?" At the continued silence, the bard heaved a great sigh and rose. "I guess there's nothing to say then. Goodbye, Randi."

A sound made her look up then, and she could see the tears trembling on the dark lashes of her friend's blue eyes. The jaw was clenched shut in an effort to keep them from spilling over. One hand grasped the chair arm, but the other was reaching toward her imploringly. With a small cry, Gwen came around the desk and stood at the Marine's side. She grabbed both hands and drew the taller woman up, leading her over to the small couch against one wall.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry," Randi repeated over and over. The storyteller sat down, pulling the other woman down beside her, still clasping both hands. The Marine wouldn't look at her, but kept her gaze on the floor while she repeated her mantra of apologies.

"Randi, look at me." A negative shake from the dark head. "Randi, please." A long hesitation before blue eyes met green. When their gazes locked, the Marine tried to pull away, turn away, but the small blonde held on for dear life. She pulled the older woman to her, and Randi fell apart in her arms, still whispering, "I'm sorry."

How long they sat there, the bard was unsure of but finally the tears seemed to abate. She gently wiped the traces of tears from Randi's face. "You ready to talk now?" A nod. "Why are you sorry Randi? What happened, my friend?"

At those words, the Marine looked directly into Gwen's face, and determined that even if she could only love this woman from afar, she would hold onto this precious friendship as tightly as she could. "I let you down," was all she whispered into the silence following the blonde's question.

"How so, my friend?" Gwen continued to use the reference, as it seemed to bring some measure of comfort to the older woman.

"I forgot to tell you to come on over while I was gone, I forgot to call. When you didn't answer any of my calls, I figured you were mad at me for being gone when you got here, and you didn't want to be friends anymore," reminding Gwen of a small child when she looked away again.

"Okay, let's tackle these one at a time, shall we? First of all, I will always, *ALWAYS* be your friend, your best friend, until you say otherwise, okay?" Randi gazed deep into the other woman's eyes and saw the truth of her words there and nodded in agreement. "Okay, next. The reason I didn't answer the phone when you called was because I wasn't home. I went to see my folks, since I hadn't had a chance since I got back. You could have left a message, you know," in a softly chiding tone.

"I know. But I wanted to apologize in person, and I thought you just didn't want to talk to me." A beat. "I am sorry I forgot to call you. I hadn't been home but a couple days, and something urgent came up. I had to leave out again immediately. I didn't let anyone know."

Gwen hesitated now, choosing her words carefully. "Randi, I know there are some things in your life you have no control over, and can make no explanation for. But please, never, ever assume again that I don't want to hear from you, even if it's just a message on the machine as soon as you're able." Another nod of agreement.

A long, but fairly comfortable silence ensued. Randi thought about broaching the subject of Gwen living with her, then thought better of it. Maybe in a year when her lease is up, and I have a better handle on things. She can still come over whenever. Finally, Gwen's voice broke the stillness.

"C'mon, short stuff. Let's get you home."

"I can't go home, Little One. I've got work to do." And with the use of the nicknames both women realized they'd crossed the hurdle.

"Not tonight, you don't. Let's go, gunny. We both need some rest after this emotional ride."

Randi couldn't argue with the logic. She was more tired now than she'd been after many extended Sabre outings. She allowed the smaller woman to lead her to her transport and take her home. When they arrived at the beach house, Gwen asked, "Do you mind if I crash here tonight? I am too tired to drive back."

"You know where your room is," the Marine answered. A pause. "Can I give you a hug?"

Without a word, the bard reached up and held on tight, squeezing with all her might. Randi returned the hug as fully as she could without causing injury to her friend. "Thanks, Gwen," she whispered.

"Anytime, my friend. Promise me you'll talk to me first next time?"

"I promise."

"Goodnight, gunny"

"Ditto, Little One."

The next day, a Sunday, found Gwen up long before her tall friend. Unusual, but given the emotional upheaval the Marine had been through the previous evening, not all that surprising. She thought briefly of leaving and giving the older woman a bit of space, then remembered her vehicle was still parked over at Midas. So she took a long bath, after rummaging through Randi's clean but unfolded laundry for some sweats to borrow. She chuckled at the picture she made when she stepped out of the bathroom, but at least she was clean, warm and comfortable.

She tried briefly to check the latest news updates, but found she was unable to access anything on Randi's computer, and without it, she couldn't turn on the holo imaging systems. She had never seen so many security fail-safes on one system in her life, and it made her wonder what warranted such high security measures. She didn't wonder very long, though. Her stomach chose that moment to announce its need, and she made her way into the kitchen to see what she could find.

It took her almost forty minutes to find the stuff she needed for pancakes and sausage. The actual cooking ingredients took less then fifteen minutes. Randi was somewhat meticulous about order and everything was pretty much where Gwen remembered it to be. Except the flour, because she had to go to the pantry and find a new container. It was the griddle that took so long to track down. Having never used it, she hunted all over the kitchen, finally finding it in the last possible cupboard towards the back.

She got it out, setting it up to heat while she mixed up her batter. When it was hot enough, she poured the batter on, and added the sausages to one side. She set a fresh pot of coffee on, and moved to the frig to get out the butter, syrup and milk. The bard almost slammed her head against the top of the open frig door when a low voice croaked behind her.

"Um, something smells really good in here." The tall woman reached up and grabbed a couple of plates. "Got enough for two there?" trying to look sad and pitiful, and not quite succeeding. Her sleep tousled look was simply too adorable.

"Hmm, I s'pose so," the blonde woman answered. "Especially as I made myself quite at home," tugging at the clothes she had borrowed and gesturing at the kitchen.

"I'm glad you did," Randi returned shyly. "In fact, I know it's too late now, but I hope you'll consider this a place to call home after your lease is up."

"You mean that?" A nod. "I'd like that." A big grin that lit up blue eyes was echoed in the big grin and green eyes facing her. Then they took breakfast off the griddle, and sat down to eat.

"Did you want to check out today's current events?" the brunette asked her friend when the kitchen had been cleaned up.

"Yeah, I was gonna do that earlier, but I couldn't get the holo emitters on."

Randi scratched the back of her head a little sheepishly. "Yeah. Sorry about that. My security system is pretty tight. Let me get you set up so you can do the basics at least when you're here." So for the next while the two women worked to get Gwen in the system. She made a voiceprint, which the computer processed and stored, then a retinal scan. The obligatory hand scan was done, and she was in Randi's system, and logging onto current events. It didn't occur to her til later to wonder at the voiceprint and retinal-scan, which she didn't need to log on to use the basic functions. But she dismissed it soon after as part of the set up process. It would be much, much later before she realized its true purpose.

************************************************************



"You knew, even then, didn't you, my friend? Knew that it would come to this... that your life would end this way. Knew that the only way you'd ever get the last word was to make sure I could access your diary."

The bard grew silent, knowing she would never get an answer from the silence, the complete loneliness that surrounded her now. Instead, she put her empty coffee cup on the counter, and walked out onto the deck. Headed toward the half-mile long dock her Marine friend had built soon after that first real argument they'd had. Gwen remembered Randi's enthusiasm for the project.



************************************************************

After they'd watched the news, catching up on what was happening in the rest of the world, Gwen rose, preparing to leave and give the Marine some space. Just as it was on the tip of tongue to ask for a ride back to Midas, Randi grabbed her hand and pulled her outside.

"C'mere. I wanna show you something."

Curiosity got the better of her, and she allowed herself to be lead along. They walked down the two steps of the deck onto the sand, and continued to move until they were very near the edge of the water. The brunette woman stood in silence for long minutes, just studying the horizon. The storyteller fixed her gaze on the water, allowing herself to feel the enormity of the vast expanse of space around them. She came back to herself with a bit of a start when her friend's low voice burred quietly near her.

"This is where I'm gonna build it."

Green eyes blinked in confusion at the statement. "Build what, Randi?"

"Hmm? Oh, a dock, nice and long, with a comfortable boathouse at the end."

"You gonna get a boat then?"

"Um, no. Well, I dunno. I hadn't really thought about it."

"Oookaaaay," drawing the word out, a bit more confused. Then why build a boathouse?" A logical question, the bard thought.

"Couple reasons, I guess. I saw a dolphin out here the other day, and I'd like a nice place to come sit and play with them from. Somewhere to keep some drinks and snacks, some towels, maybe have a shower, without having to track back to the house every time I need something. And if I'm gonna go to all that trouble, may as well make it a full fledged guest house. Tommy and Ella might like to bring the boat over, and I need a place to put them and that boat." She didn't mention the fact that she'd like to have a place for Geoff and Jill to stay when they visited Gwen. It was quite presumptuous on her part.

Randi flushed a bit as she said this, thinking about surprising Gwen with a visit from her parents here. She knew she was coming perilously close to crossing a line she could not cross, but in truth, Jill and Geoffrey Goldman reminded her more than a little of her own parents. And she found herself liking them for themselves in spite of the fact that they were Gwen's folks. The fact that they had both seemed to accept her unequivocally, accepting what she was able to give without pushing her for more than she was comfortable with sharing, only endeared them to her more. It was a nice feeling that she couldn't afford to give into very often, but the look of excitement on Gwen's face made the effort of this gesture more than worth it to the older woman.

"That would be so great. Did you really see a dolphin? Are you sure this isn't too much work? Tommy and Ella will appreciate it, I'll bet. What an awesome idea. Can I help?"

Randi had to chuckle just a little at the bard's energy and enthusiasm. She was glad her project had been met with such open support. Shortly thereafter, she was giving the younger woman a lift back to Midas in her transport. Gwen had actually asked about the motorcycle, but had not come prepared for such a cold outing. The Marine promised her a ride very soon, when she was better prepared, and she stopped pouting in disappointment.

The following morning, early, Randi poked her head into Tommy's office.

"T, you got a minute?" She had a contrite expression on her face similar to one he had seen her use as a child.

"C'mon in, short stuff. Have a seat. What's on your mind?" waving her to a chair and folding his hands on the desk in front of him.

"I uh," looking down at the floor briefly, before raising blue eyes to meet his brown ones. "I owe you an apology." Eyes dropped back to the floor.

"No more than I owe you." The dark head whipped up. "I was interfering in things not my concern. Well, not really my concern, except as to how they affect you, I mean." A wistful smile. "I did call and leave a message apologizing...."

"That was you? I deleted it before saw it unthinkingly. I figured if it was important, whoever left it would call back."

"And I didn't call back, thinking you were still mad." He chuckled. "We are quite a pair."

She smiled. "Yeah, we are. So, we're okay?"

"Yeah, we're okay."

Randi went to the door, and paused with her hand on the knob. "T, you wanna go get some ice cream?"

"Randi," he answered, looking at his watch, "it's eight o'clock in the morning!"

"And your point?"

"Is sadly blunted, I'm afraid." He laughed again, and moved from behind his desk. "Fine, but this had better not get back to Ella. She's already threatening me with a diet." She smiled, but his laughter followed them out to the kitchen.

Things gradually smoothed out as the week progressed. Randi still heard the whispers about her standoffishness, but was frankly unconcerned. She was okay again with Gwen and Tommy, and the rest didn't really matter to her. And mostly, people were content to leave her alone, disturbing her only when absolutely necessary. Not that she was violent or threatening to them, but she was rather short and brusque. The Marine did continue to come in late once a week, finding it worked better for her and her security team. They were able to accomplish several things they couldn't attempt during the day, and Randi decided to implement some basic training courses for them during this time.

On Thursday, she had an unusual visitor. The man was cleared at the gate by her personally, and escorted to her office. The two of them stayed shut up in that room for several hours, without a sound. Then the dark haired woman personally escorted this huge man, who dwarfed her tall height by more than half a foot, back to his vehicle. Most surprising, she gave him a brief hug and a smile, both actions completely unheard of from her by almost all who knew her.

"Thanks, Tiny," she said quietly.

"Anytime, my friend." He smiled sadly. "It's nice to be able to do something constructive together for a change." She nodded in agreement.

"You'll have to come see the finished product."

"I'd love to, but you know how the boss feels about us fraternizing outside the job."

"Yeah, well, he can just get over it."

Tiny looked at the woman in amazement. He had never heard her be so rebellious before, but he could certainly sympathize with the sentiment. "I'll see what I can do."

"Thanks, Tiny. But don't do anything to get yourself in trouble, okay?"

He rolled his eyes drolly at her. "I live for trouble, remember?"

"Don't we all?" with a smirk. Then they shook hands, and the large man left.

Friday afternoon, Gwen knocked on the door of the security chief. "What?" came the growling response. The blonde poked her head in the door.

The frown creasing Randi's forehead smoothed out into a welcoming smile when she saw her visitor's face. But it quickly reverted to the frown as she turned her attention back to the vid monitor in front of her. She waved the bard in, and silently motioned her to a chair.

"Look, Larry, I don't care who you have to call, or what you have to do... I want that order put together and ready to deliver to my place by this time next week."

"But, Ms. Valiant, an order of this magnitude...."

"No excuses, Larry. Just get it done." She closed the video reception, and turned her attention to her friend.

"Hi, Little One. What brings you my den of iniquity at this time of day on a Friday afternoon?"

Blonde eyebrows rose to her hairline. "Den of iniquity?"

"Oh, you haven't heard those rumors?" The Marine grinned ruefully at the look of confusion that crossed the storyteller's face. "I had a man in here alone for hours yesterday."

"Yeah. So?" A frown was quickly replacing the confusion.

Randi chuckled. "Gwen, I love you just the way you are. Don't you ever go changing on me, okay?"

"Is that why they kept whispering and looking at you during lunch today?" The bard snorted. "For heaven's sake. If they want to know so bad, why not just ask?"

"Because it's much more fun to speculate. Besides, they all know better than to be minding my business... to my face, anyway." A beat. "You never answered my question, though. Did you come in to root out the secrets of my mysterious visitor?" A serious tone, but teasing twinkled from her eyes.

"Ya know," growling as low as she could manage, "if I thought you were serious, I'd slug you."

The Marine chortled. "It'd be worth it, just for the ferocious expression on your face right now."

Randi's laugh was the bard's downfall, however, and her grim countenance melted into a smile. "No, that's not why I came in. I thought I'd stop by to see if you wanted to go do something tonight."

"Actually, I've got plans...."

"Oh."

"... but you're welcome to come along with me."

"No, I wouldn't want to butt in."

"You wouldn't be butting in. I'm inviting you."

"No, I'd be a third wheel."

A third wheel. "Huh?" What is she... ??? OH! "No, you wouldn't. A few guys and I, well, we get together most Fridays nights and play."

"Play?"

"Music. We've got a sorta band together, and we get together and play for a few hours. We all pitch in bringing food and drinks. They bring their families and partners. It's a good time." A pause. "So, you wanna go with me? You know some of the people. Joey and Maria will be there with their little girl. Tommy and Ella usually show up before the night is over." Another pause, then she added, "Your folks went when they were here."

Green eyes grew wide. "You took my parents to a band party?"

A deep chuckle from the tall woman's throat. "Oh yeah. Your mom was a riot. She got everybody up and dancing. They've been dancing ever since. I think they want to prove they can keep up with her next time she's here. She outlasted everyone, including the band."

The blonde head dropped into her hands, and her shoulders shook with laughter. "Yep," she said when she could finally speak again, "that sounds like my mom. You remember the big party at Festival when we were up there."

"Yeah. But I didn't tell them about that. They would have had her giving lessons."

Silence followed for as few moments as the two women sat remembering. The Marine broke the tableau. "So, you wanna go?"

"I'd love to go! Sounds like a lot of fun." She got up to leave. "Where and when?"

"Tell you what. Why don't you just swing by your place and pick up some clothes for the weekend? I'll be at the house by the time you get there."

"Great! Sounds like a plan." She walked to the door and had it partly opened when her friend's voice stopped her.

"Don't forget to pack something warm. We'll take the bike out for a while tomorrow."

The blonde didn't say anything in response, but the dazzling smile that lit up her face was an answer all its own.

Three hours later found the bard crossing the bridge Randi extended for her. She found it a bit disconcerting to be crossing this object that could literally be pulled out from under her, but the peace of the island always mace her forget her concerns in the interim. She got out of the transport parked at the door, and rang the chime.

"C'mon in, Gwen."

The blonde opened the door and walked in, finding the brunette in the kitchen. She looked quite at home and lovely in her faded jeans and very red sweatshirt, but it was quite a change from the black on black or white on black Gwen was used to seeing her outside her house in. Even around the house, the storyteller reflected, Randi stuck to mostly black and white, with jeans shorts, and the occasional khaki in warmer weather. So she just stood still and stared. The older woman caught the look on her friend's face and looked down at herself in alarm trying to find the problem.

"What?"

"You're wearing color!!"

"Annnnddd?"

"And you never wear color. It's just... shocking" A beat. "A nice shock, but still, very surprising."

"Uh huh. We'll grab a case and we'll go."

"Where?"

"Practice is over at Tommy's place. He built a pavilion for us. Outdoors, but covered from the weather."

"Cool. Let's go."

Band practice was interesting. Gwen was as accomplished a dancer as her mother, and was quite a popular partner with both the men and the women of the group. By and by, though, she grew tired of dancing, and took the four children there with their parents off to one side away from the noise, and started telling them stories.

It wasn't long before the adults grew captivated by the sound of her voice and the tale she was weaving that they began drifting in that direction. Less than half an hour after she started, the band had stopped playing, and all eyes and ears were focused on the bard. She never noticed, as all her attention was trained on the children she was speaking to. It wasn't until the overwhelming applause at the close of her story that Gwen looked around and saw her captivated adult audience. She blushed profusely, and apologized for ruining practice.

"You gotta be kiddin', Gwen," from Joey

"Yeah," remarked Greg, "that was wonderful."

"Thank you for sharing with us, Gwen," added Jack's wife, Patty.

She felt better when each of the children, ranging in age from five to eleven, gave her a hug and a whispered thank you. Especially when they asked her to come back again.

Practice broke for the night after that. It wasn't until they got home that Randi had a chance to say anything to her.

"Interesting story. One of the new ones you've been working on?"

"Hmm? Not really. I actually made that one up tonight, just for the kids."

"Wow! That's amazing. You made it all up right then?"

"Yeah," looking down and blushing a bit. "I've got so many stories still to tell. I don't think I'll get them all told if I live a thousand years."

"Well, I look forward to hearing them all."

"Thanks," with a grin. "I'll hold you to that."

The two separated to change, then met back at the couch. Randi turned on the fireplace, while Gwen grabbed a bottle of Merlot and a couple glasses. They sat sipping in silence for quite a while before Randi turned to her friend.

"So, you wanna see why Tiny came to see me?"

"Tiny?"

"The man in my office yesterday."

"Oh, sure."

The tall woman stood, reaching a hand down to the blonde. "C'mon." They walked over to the computer, which Randi activated. Two commands later, they were gazing at a set of blueprints, and pictures of the final product.

"What do you think?" after a bit of silence had passed.

"That's pretty impressive. That's how it will look when it's finished?"

"Yep. It took a few hours to iron out all the details, but we finally managed a dock and boathouse that looks like I wanted it to, and that I can still build myself."

"You're gonna build this yourself?"

"Yep."

"Why? There are a lot of masons in the builder's guild who would love to build it for you."

"I know. But this is something I want to do myself." A glance at her friend's worried countenance. "It's not like I can't call them in if I get myself into trouble. But I'd like to try it."

"Can I help?"

"If you want to, sure." A grin was her answer.

They moved back to the couch, sitting side by side in silence again, studying the flames.

"Randi?" breaking the quiet of the room.

"Yeah?"

Gwen hesitated, unsure how to word the question she wanted to ask without seeming too invasive into the Marine's privacy. She finally decided just to ask. "Since Tiny was designing the boathouse and dock, which is something for your home, and has nothing to do with Midas, why did you have him meet with you there? It would have saved a lot of tongue wagging at work if you had met him here instead."

The Sabre had to smile at the way Gwen got to the heart of things. She couldn't have chosen a harder question to ask Randi if she'd tried. The Marine decided to be as honest as she could.

"Tiny and I worked together in the military a few times, which is how I knew about his work. It's just better for everyone if this looks like it was business and not personal." Hoping beyond hope that the bard would let it lie. Which she did for the space of about thirty seconds.

"But it *is* business. I don't...."

"Trust me on this, my friend. It is best to avoid even the appearance of wrongdoing or misunderstanding."

And sensing the older woman's reluctance to discuss the matter further, Gwen let it drop, even though there were still many questions left unanswered.

She didn't remember moving up the stairs to her room, or getting into bed and drifting off to sleep. But the blonde woke up the next morning to the sounds of breakfast being prepared in the kitchen. She jumped into the shower, dressing warmly for their ride when she got out. She followed her nose out the door of the loft room, and stood staring for a moment, as she always did, at the portrait that hung over the fireplace. Then she continued following the scents to the table.

She chuckled a bit at her friend who still looked sleep rumpled. Randi had gotten up and decided, since she couldn't exercise with the bard still in bed asleep, to eat before starting her morning. They ate together in relative silence, though Gwen did compliment the Marine on the good food, who accepted the praise with a nod and a muttered, "Thanks." Then she volunteered to clean up the kitchen while the brunette showered and dressed. Half an hour later they were out the door, and on the bike, heading for the open road.

They rode for the better part of the day, with no end destination in sight. They were simply riding for the thrill of riding. They stopped twice, once for lunch, and the other time just to stretch their legs a bit. No conversation was exchanged, but they were both just content to be together riding along. And when they pulled into the garage many hours later, Gwen reached up and gave the taller woman a hug.

"Thank you," she whispered.

"You're welcome," Randi whispered back, returning the hug gingerly. It had been a good day.



Continued In Chapter VIII